Bupropion; Naltrexone extended-release tablets
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Bupropion; Naltrexone extended-release tablets
What is this medicine?
BUPROPION; NALTREXONE (byoo PROE pee on; nal TREX one) is a combination of two drugs that help you lose weight. This product is used with a reduced calorie diet and exercise. This product can also help you maintain weight loss.
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not cut, crush or chew this medicine. Swallow the tablets whole. You can take it with or without food. Do not take with high-fat meals as this may increase your risk of seizures. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
breathing problems
changes in vision
confusion
elevated mood, decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, impulsive behavior
fast or irregular heartbeat
hallucinations, loss of contact with reality
increased blood pressure
rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes
redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
seizures
signs and symptoms of liver injury like dark yellow or brown urine; general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms; light-colored stools; loss of appetite; nausea; right upper belly pain; unusually weak or tired; yellowing of the eyes or skin
suicidal thoughts or other mood changes
vomiting
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
constipation
headache
loss of appetite
indigestion, stomach upset
tremors
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
any medicines used to stop taking opioids such as methadone or buprenorphine
linezolid
MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
methylene blue (injected into a vein)
often take narcotic medicines for pain or cough
other medicines that contain bupropion like Zyban or Wellbutrin
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
alcohol
certain medicines for blood pressure like metoprolol, propranolol
certain medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
certain medicines for HIV or hepatitis
certain medicines for irregular heart beat like propafenone, flecainide
certain medicines for Parkinson's disease like amantadine, levodopa
certain medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital
certain medicines for sleep
cimetidine
clopidogrel
cyclophosphamide
digoxin
disulfiram
furazolidone
isoniazid
nicotine
orphenadrine
procarbazine
steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone
stimulant medicines for attention disorders, weight loss, or to stay awake
tamoxifen
theophylline
thiotepa
ticlopidine
tramadol
warfarin
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, skip it. Take your next dose at the normal time. Do not take extra or 2 doses at the same time to make up for the missed dose.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
an eating disorder, such as anorexia or bulimia
diabetes
depression
glaucoma
head injury
heart disease
high blood pressure
history of drug abuse or alcohol abuse problem
history of a tumor or infection of your brain or spine
history of heart attack or stroke
history of irregular heartbeat
if you often drink alcohol
kidney disease
liver disease
low levels of sodium in the blood
mental illness
seizures
suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt; a previous suicide attempt by you or a family member
taken an MAOI like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, or Parnate in last 14 days
an unusual or allergic reaction to bupropion, naltrexone, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
breast-feeding
pregnant or trying to become pregnant
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your doctor or healthcare provider for regular checks on your progress.
This medicine may cause serious skin reactions. They can happen weeks to months after starting the medicine. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you notice fevers or flu-like symptoms with a rash. The rash may be red or purple and then turn into blisters or peeling of the skin. Or, you might notice a red rash with swelling of the face, lips or lymph nodes in your neck or under your arms.
This medicine may affect blood sugar. Ask your healthcare provider if changes in diet or medicines are needed if you have diabetes.
Patients and their families should watch out for new or worsening depression or thoughts of suicide. Also watch out for sudden changes in feelings such as feeling anxious, agitated, panicky, irritable, hostile, aggressive, impulsive, severely restless, overly excited and hyperactive, or not being able to sleep. If this happens, especially at the beginning of treatment or after a change in dose, call your healthcare provider.
Avoid alcoholic drinks while taking this medicine. Drinking large amounts of alcoholic beverages, using sleeping or anxiety medicines, or quickly stopping the use of these agents while taking this medicine may increase your risk for a seizure.
Do not drive or use heavy machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. This medicine can impair your ability to perform these tasks.
Women should inform their health care provider if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. Losing weight while pregnant is not advised and may cause harm to the unborn child. Talk to your health care provider for more information.
Updated:  
October 27, 2020