Amfepramone - Oral

Amfepramone is used to treat obesity caused by excessive food consumption.

This medicine is meant to be taken as part of a comprehensive weight management programme that should include exercise, a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Take Amfepramone exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

Take it on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before meals.

This medicine is available as a conventional tablet or extended-release tablet.

If you are taking the extended-release type of tablet (usually labelled as "ER"), swallow it whole. Do not divide, chew, or crush the tablet.

Amfepramone must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it suddenly as this may worsen your condition.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

Do not take Amfepramone if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or any of its ingredients.

Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• arteriosclerosis (thickening and hardening of the walls of the arteries)
• hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland)
• severe high blood pressure
• high blood pressure in the lungs
• glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye)
• state of feeling anxious, nervous or restless
• history of drug abuse

as Amfepramone may not be suitable for you.

Do not take this medicine if you are currently taking or have taken a medicine that is used to treat depression known as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine and tranylcypromine in the last 14 days.

Do not take Amfepramone with other medicines that reduce appetite, such as sibutramine.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• mild to moderate high blood pressure
• heart disease e.g. irregular or abnormal heartbeat, problems in the heart valves
• diabetes
• mental illness e.g. bipolar disorder (mental condition that causes extreme mood changes between feeling very high and very low)
• history of epilepsy (fits or seizures)
• Tourette's syndrome (a disorder characterised by sudden, repetitive, and uncontrollable body movements or vocal sounds)

Amfepramone is not recommended for use if you have taken other medicines that reduce appetite within the last year.

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to the elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.

Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?

Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.

• Routine tests (e.g. heart evaluation) may be done before and while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
• Your blood pressure may rise to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly during treatment.
• Regular monitoring of your weight and waist circumference may also be needed.

What lifestyle changes should I make to lose weight and maintain my ideal weight?

A healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise are keys to helping you maintain your ideal weight. You should avoid relying only on the medication to maintain your ideal weight.

Try to control the type and amount of food you eat at each meal. Include lots of fruits and vegetables in your diet. If you have not been exercising, start slow and gradually step up your exercise capacity. You will find that keeping to a regular exercise regimen is enjoyable and helps keep your weight off.

If stress causes you to reach out for snacks too often, replace unhealthy snacks with healthier choices. Learn to manage your stress levels. Alcohol also commonly causes weight gain. Try to avoid alcohol or set a limit on how much you drink.

Do not share Amfepramone with anyone else, even if they are overweight. This medicine may not be suitable for everyone.

Amfepramone may cause dizziness and drowsiness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.

Other side effects include any of the following: headache, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, stomach pain, taste disturbances, constipation, diarrhoea, nervousness, restlessness, difficulty sleeping, hair loss, and skin rash or itching.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• chest pain or pressure, fast or irregular heartbeat, difficulty breathing, swelling of the ankles or feet
• severe dizziness, lightheadedness or passing out
• fits or seizures
• unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, agitated, or having compulsive and impulsive behaviour)

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Do not take this medicine if you are currently taking or have taken a medicine that is used to treat depression known as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine and tranylcypromine in the last 14 days.

Do not take Amfepramone with other medicines that reduce appetite, such as sibutramine.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking or using any of these medicines:

• medicines for high blood pressure e.g. guanethidine, methyldopa
• medicines for diabetes e.g. insulin

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Amfepramone.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicine, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol.

It is important for you to maintain a healthy, low-fat, and balanced diet.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.