Contraindication

Do not take Meridia (Reductil) more often or in larger doses than you were prescribed.

Do not use Meridia (chemical name: Sibutramine) for longer than it was prescribed for you, since it can be habit-forming.

Do not stop taking Generic Meridia suddenly after you have been using it for a significant length of time, unless your physicain directs you to do so. Meridia may become less effective over time.

Meridia is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your physicain about birth-control methods.

It is important that you tell your health care provider about all current and past medical problems. Do not take other medicines with Meridia unless your doctor has told you that it is okay to do so.

Don't take Meridia if you:
· Have high blood pressure that's controlled inadequately or not at all. (Sibutramine has been cited to cause a considerable rise in blood pressure in some patients. As a consequence, your doctor must monitor your blood pressure on a regular basis while you're taking Sibutramine.)
· Have had allergic or other negative reactions to Sibutramine in the past
· Are younger than 16 years
· Have anorexia

Special warnings about this medication

Avoid Meridia completely if you've had a stroke or suffer from heart disease, heart failure, or irregular heartbeat. Also avoid it if you have severe kidney or liver problems. Seizures are a rare, but possible, side effect. If you've had seizures in the past, use Meridia with caution. If you have a seizure while taking the drug, stop using it and call your doctor immediately.

Also Sibutramine is contraindicated for patients with:
- a history of or a predisposition to drug or alcohol abuse,
- hypersensitivity to the drug
- enlargement of the prostate gland with urinary retention