Drug Name

Obestat (Sibutramine)

Drug Uses

Obestat is used for treating obesity. It should be used with a reduced calorie diet.

How to use

Use Obestat as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• An extra patient leaflet is available with Obestat. Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information.
• Take Obestat by mouth with or without food.
• Unless otherwise directed by your doctor, Obestat should be taken in the morning to avoid sleeping problems.
• If you miss a dose of Obestat, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Obestat is a diet aid. It appears to work by regulating chemicals in the appetite center in the brain to cause a temporary reduction in hunger or craving for food.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Obestat, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Obestat at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C), in a tightly closed container. Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Obestat out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do NOT use Obestat if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Obestat
• you have an eating disorder (eg, anorexia, bulimia), uncontrolled or severe high blood pressure, hardening of the arteries, fast or irregular heartbeat, heart failure, or increased blood pressure in the lungs, or you have had a stroke
• you have severe liver or kidney problems or you are on dialysis for severe kidney problems
• you are taking a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) (eg, fluoxetine), another appetite suppressant, or you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (eg, phenelzine) within the last 14 days

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have kidney or liver disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, bleeding problems, narrow-angle glaucoma, gallbladder problems (eg, gallstones), underactive thyroid, or seizures
• if you have a history of mental or mood problems (eg, depression), or suicidal thoughts or actions.

Possible Side Effects

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Back pain; constipation; dizziness; dry mouth; flu-like symptoms; headache; increased or decreased appetite; joint pain; nausea; nervousness; painful menstruation; runny nose; sleeplessness; sore throat; upset stomach; weakness.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; unusual hoarseness); agitation; anxiety; blurred vision or other vision changes; change in amount of urine; chest pain; clumsiness; confusion; difficulty breathing; disorientation; excitement; eye pain; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; high fever; increased sweating; large, unchanging pupils; loss of consciousness; mood or mental changes (eg, depression, mania, psychosis, thoughts of suicide or suicide attempt); one-sided weakness; restlessness; seizures; severe or persistent dizziness, headache, or weakness; shivering; shortness of breath; stomach pain; swelling of the feet, ankles, or legs; tremors; unusual bruising or bleeding; vomiting.

More Information

If you have any questions about Obestat, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Obestat is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.