REDUCTIL® is a trade mark of . It is medicine used to help treat obesety. Only your doctor can decide if it is right for you. These questions and answers contain important information about REDUCTIL. However, they are not meant to take the place of your doctor's advice. Read this information carefully before you start taking REDUCTIL. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand any of this information or if you want to know more about REDUCTIL. This medicine can help obese people lose weight when it is used as defined by their doctors. However, REDUCTIL is not for everyone. It is intended for use only by people who are significantly obese. REDUCTIL must never be taken with other medications without firstly consulting your doctor. Remember if in doubt consult your doctor.

What is Reductil, What does it do? (back to top)
Reductil is a medicine to help you lose weight. It works by making you feel satisfied with less food.
It helps control how much you eat. By eating less, it should be easier for you la lose weight ­even if you haven't been able to before. Reductil capsules are only part of the story. Losing weight means changing habits, and changing them for good.

What should I know before taking Reductil? (back to top)
Read this list. If one or more of these points applies to you, and you haven't talked it through with your doctor, talk to your doctor before you start taking Reductil.

If you are allergic to sibutramine, or to any of the other ingredients

If you have high blood pressure (more than 145/90), or a history of heart problems, hardening of the arteries or of strokes.

If you have liver or kidney problems or if you have problems with your prostate or thyroid, or growths on the adrenal glands (phaeochromocytoma)

If you are pregnant, might become pregnant or you are breast-feeding

If you are over 65, or under 18

If you have ever had anorexia or bulimia

If you have a psychiatric illness, or have taken other medicines in the last fortnight to treat depression or psychiatric illness

If you have taken tryptophan for disturbed sleep, or phentermine or diethylproplon (amfepramone) for weight reduction in the last fortnight

If you have the eye disease, narrow angle glaucoma

If you have a history of drug or alcohol problems

If you have a medical condition that is causing your weight problem

If you have Tourette syndrome (which causes uncontrolled movements and noises).

When traking Reductil what points do I have to consider? (back to top)

Checking your blood pressure: You should have your blood pressure and pulse rate checked regularly by your doctor whilst taking Reductil. A few people ( fewer than 1 in every 10 ) find their blood pressure rises when they take Reductil. If your blood pressure gets too high, your doctor will take you off the medicine.

Reductil and alcohol: It is best not to drink alcohol during your weight loss programme with Reductil. Alcoholic drinks ( such as beer, cider, wine or spirits ) are a very common cause of weight gain. So drinking will make it harder to reach your target.

Driving and using machines: Reductil may affect your judgment, thinking or handling skills. If you find this is the case, do not drive or use any tools or machines.

Taking Reductil with other medicines:
Some medicines do not mix with Reductil always check with your doctor if you are taking any other medications whatsoever. The following list is a guide only and is not conclusive. Always check with your Doctor if you are taking:

Any antibiotics, such as rifampicin, erythromycin and clorithromycin.

Any cough, cold, allergy and decongestant medicines: some of these have ingredients that can raise blood pressure -for example ephedrine, pseudoephedrine or xylometazoline. Ask your pharmacist for advice.

Any epilepsy medicines: carbamazepine, phenobarbital
(phenobarbitone), phenytoin.

Any antifungal medicines, ketoconazole or itraconazole.

Any migraine medicines: for example sumatriptan, dihydroergotamine.

some opioid pain-killers: for example fentanyl, pentazocine, pethidine, dextromethorphan.

Any steroid drugs and drugs which affect the immune system: cyclosporin, dexamethasone.

Any antidepressants, even up to two weeks beforwe reductil.

Any medicines even non prescription.

What is the correct dose of Reductil? (back to top)

Always check with your Doctor he or she will know the correct dose for you.

The usual dose for adults aged 18 to 65 is: One capsule taken every morning, swallowed whole with a glass of water.

Always keep to the recommended dose unless your doctor advises differently.

You can take Reductil with or without food.

Never give Reductil to children.

How long can I take Reductil for? (back to top)

You should only take Reductil as part of your weight loss programme.
Your doctor's practice will see you regularly to see how you are doing.

If you don't lose weight in the first three months, or if you put weight on, your doctor may stop prescribing Reductil for you. In any case, Reductil usually shouldn't be prescribed for more than one year.

If you take too many capsules (or someone else does): Talk to a doctor straight away. Have the box with you for reference.

If you forget to take Reductil. Carry on with the next dose as usual. Don't take a double dose to make up.

When you stop taking Reductil: It's unusual to get withdrawal symptoms. On rare occasions, some people may get headaches or have increased appetites once they stop taking the capsules. There's no evidence of any other withdrawal symptoms.

Are there any possible side affects? (back to top)

Some people taking Reductil suffer side effects. Most people don't. Most people who suffer side effects get them early on (in the first four weeks) and find they wear off over time. Generally, side effects are mild enough for people to continue taking Reductil.

The most common side effects are: (These might affect 10 in every 100 people).

Digestive system: Loss of appetite; constipation; dry mouth, nausea, haemorrhoids.
Heart and circulation: Fast heartbeats; palpitations; raised blood pressure; hot flushes.
Skin : Sweating.
Senses: Odd taste.
Other: Light-headedness; pins and needles; headaches; feeling anxious, insomnia.

If you are affected by any of the above consult your Doctor.

Uncommon side effects are: (These might affect less than 1 in every 100 people).

Liver and kidneys : Kidney problems; raised levels of liver enzymes in tests
Skin : Purple rash on legs; bruising.
Other : Seizures; blurred vision, breathing problems, chest pains or swollen ankles.

If you get any of these uncommon effects, Stop taking Reductil and consult your doctor straight away.

What else can I do to lose weight whilst taking Reductil? (back to top)

How should I store Reductil? (back to top)

Store Reductil at normal room temperature in its original packaging.

Keep it where children can't see it or reach it.

Do not use after the expiry date printed on the box.