TENUATE is a tablet that is used in the short-term management of obesity. It comes in 25-milligram tablet form that is embossed with ?b>TENUATE 25?or ?b>MERRELL 697? TENUATE DOSPAN is a controlled release 75-milligram tablet that is embossed with the names ?b>TENUATE 75?or ?b>MERRELL 698?

HOW DOES TENUATE WORK?

Drugs of this class are thought to suppress appetite via a central mechanism (appetite centers in the brain) although this has mechanism has not been clearly proven.

HOW TO TAKE TENUATE :

TENUATE DOSPAN is best taken once a day in the mid morning. This sustained-release or long acting product must be swallowed whole. Crushing or chewing them will destroy the long action and may cause increased side effects. TENUATE (25-milligrams) is best taken on an empty stomach; one hour before breakfast each morning. It may be taken again in mid evening if needed to suppress night hunger. Take this medication as prescribed. Do not take it more often or longer than directed. Use in combination with other appetite suppressant medicine is generally not recommended.

HOW EFFECTIVE IS TENUATE?

TENUATE is effective therapy for the obese patient who needs to lose weight to decrease diseases associated with obesity. The magnitude of the weight loss will depend on the degree of concomitant caloric restriction and the use of a graded exercise program.

HOW LONG CAN I CONTINUE TO USE TENUATE?

TENUATE is a short-term drug that helps you to start losing weight and then keep on going when you are ready to carry on, on your own. Your body starts to build up a resistance to the effects of TENUATE after a few weeks of treatment, which is when you should be well on your way to a new lifestyle and ready to stop TENUATE.

Appetite suppressants are not a substitute for proper diet. For maximum effects, this must be used in conjunction with a diet and exercise program.

TENUATE VS. XENICAL :

TENUATE is an appetite suppressant. XENICAL inhibits fat absorption into the body. So both may be used in conjunction with each other for those who are seriously obese.

BE SURE TO TELL US ON YOU MEDICAL HISTORY/PERSONAL PROFILE IF :

- You have high blood pressure.
- You have an over-active thyroid.
- You have glaucoma.
- You have Diabetes Mellitus.
- You have emotional problems.
- You are pregnant.
- You are currently breast-feeding.
- You drink alcohol-containing beverages regularly.

DRUG INTERACTIONS :

Inform your doctor about all the medicines you use, (prescription and nonprescription) especially if you take high blood pressure medicine or MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine) or any other weight loss medicine. Decongestants are commonly found in over-the-counter cough and cold medicine.

SIDE EFFECTS :

MILD :

Blurred vision, dry mouth, sleeplessness, irritability, stomach upset or constipation may occur the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication. Other adverse events include central nervous system effects, gastrointestinal disturbances, and changes in libido. If these effects persist or become bothersome, you may have to discontinue use. Exercise caution when prescribing anti-obesity drugs for patients with hypertension. If this medication makes you di

MODERATE :

Chest pain, pounding heart, difficulty urinating, breathing difficulties or swelling while taking this medication.

SEVERE :

Primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) and cardiac valvular disease have been reported in patients receiving a combination of phentermine and fenfluramine (phen-fen) or dexfenfluramine. The possibility of an association between PPH and the use of TENUATE alone cannot be ruled out.

CONTRAINDICATIONS :

TENUATE is contraindicated in patients with arteriosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, and moderate to severe hypertension.