Fenfluramine tablets

What are fenfluramine tablets?

FENFLURAMINE (Pondimin®) was originally marketed as a drug to help you lose weight.

NOTE: This drug is discontinued in the United States.

What should my health care professional know before I take fenfluramine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• diabetes

• heart disease

• high blood pressure

• liver disease

• thyroid disease

• an unusual or allergic reaction to fenfluramine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take fenfluramine tablets by mouth, preferably before meals. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow with a drink of water. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with fenfluramine?

• linezolid

• medicines for blood pressure

• medicines for diabetes

• medicines for mental depression

• medicines that make you drowsy

• other medicines or herbal products for weight loss or to decrease appetite

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking fenfluramine?

Notify your physician immediately if you become short of breath while doing your normal activities.

Keep in mind that fenfluramine was intended to be used in addition to a healthy diet and exercise. The best results are achieved this way. While your prescriber or health care professional will most likely prescribe fenfluramine for only a few months; however, some people have used it for longer periods. Eventually your weight loss may "level out". At that point, the drug will only help you maintain your new weight. Do not increase or in any way change your dose without consulting your prescriber.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that requires mental alertness or physical coordination until you know how fenfluramine affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit up or stand up quickly. Alcohol can increase possible drowsiness and dizziness. Therefore, it is best to avoid alcoholic drinks.

What side effects may I notice from taking fenfluramine?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• breathlessness on exertion

• chest pain

• dry cough

• heart palpitations

• severe dizziness

• unusual tiredness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• constipation

• diarrhea

• drowsiness

• dry mouth

• frequent passing of urine

• headache

• nausea

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.