Clipping Board » Drug Poisoning ─ It is necessary to be aware of the toxic side effects before taking medication.
Apple Daily, January 4, 2010 [Reported by Han Zhengyan and Xu Jiahui, Comprehensive Foreign News]
The weight-loss drug Reductil (sibutramine) may increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Following a warning issued by the U.S. in November last year, the European Medicines Agency (EMA), which approved Reductil for sale in Europe, is now also studying its risks. Taiwan has not reported any adverse reactions so far, but the Department of Health has advised doctors to monitor patients' blood pressure and pulse. Weight-loss specialists recommend discontinuing the medication if no effect is seen after three months.
**Usage Should Not Exceed One Year**
The UK’s *Daily Mail* reported yesterday that the EMA is analyzing data from 10,000 users to determine whether Reductil increases cardiovascular risks, with findings expected to be released this month. Reductil was approved in 2001, and globally, there have been nearly 2,100 reported side effects and 17 deaths, six of which were due to heart attacks or strokes.
Kang Zhao-zhou, Director of Taiwan’s Food and Drug Administration, stated that Taiwan has approved nine drugs containing sibutramine, including Reductil and Bayer’s Alli capsules. The drug labels specify that blood pressure and pulse must be regularly monitored, and the dosage should be reduced or discontinued if they persistently rise. The drug should not be used by individuals with a history of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, arrhythmia, or stroke. No adverse reactions have been reported in Taiwan so far.
Zhu Nianfeng, Director of Occupational Medicine at Shuang Ho Hospital, noted that Reductil is known to have a higher likelihood of causing cardiovascular issues. If the medication fails to reduce body weight by 5% within three months, it should be discontinued. Usage should not exceed one year, and blood pressure and pulse should be closely monitored.
**Precautions for Taking Sibutramine-Based Weight-Loss Drugs**
◎ Regularly monitor blood pressure and pulse. If they persistently rise, reduce the dosage or discontinue use.
◎ This ingredient may cause cardiovascular diseases and should not be used by those with a history of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, or stroke.
◎ If weight is not reduced by 5% of the original body weight within three months, discontinue use. Usage should not exceed one year.
◎ This drug must be prescribed by a doctor and should not be purchased or taken without medical supervision.
※ Source: Department of Health
Source: http:/ / tw. nextmedia. com/ appl……id/ 32207332/ IssueID/ 20100104
Norvasc for Weight Loss Increases Stroke Risk
The weight-loss drug Reductil (sibutramine) may increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Following a warning issued by the U.S. in November last year, the European Medicines Agency (EMA), which approved Reductil for sale in Europe, is now also studying its risks. Taiwan has not reported any adverse reactions so far, but the Department of Health has advised doctors to monitor patients' blood pressure and pulse. Weight-loss specialists recommend discontinuing the medication if no effect is seen after three months.
**Usage Should Not Exceed One Year**
The UK’s *Daily Mail* reported yesterday that the EMA is analyzing data from 10,000 users to determine whether Reductil increases cardiovascular risks, with findings expected to be released this month. Reductil was approved in 2001, and globally, there have been nearly 2,100 reported side effects and 17 deaths, six of which were due to heart attacks or strokes.
Kang Zhao-zhou, Director of Taiwan’s Food and Drug Administration, stated that Taiwan has approved nine drugs containing sibutramine, including Reductil and Bayer’s Alli capsules. The drug labels specify that blood pressure and pulse must be regularly monitored, and the dosage should be reduced or discontinued if they persistently rise. The drug should not be used by individuals with a history of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, arrhythmia, or stroke. No adverse reactions have been reported in Taiwan so far.
Zhu Nianfeng, Director of Occupational Medicine at Shuang Ho Hospital, noted that Reductil is known to have a higher likelihood of causing cardiovascular issues. If the medication fails to reduce body weight by 5% within three months, it should be discontinued. Usage should not exceed one year, and blood pressure and pulse should be closely monitored.
**Precautions for Taking Sibutramine-Based Weight-Loss Drugs**
◎ Regularly monitor blood pressure and pulse. If they persistently rise, reduce the dosage or discontinue use.
◎ This ingredient may cause cardiovascular diseases and should not be used by those with a history of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, or stroke.
◎ If weight is not reduced by 5% of the original body weight within three months, discontinue use. Usage should not exceed one year.
◎ This drug must be prescribed by a doctor and should not be purchased or taken without medical supervision.
※ Source: Department of Health
Source: http:/ / tw. nextmedia. com/ appl……id/ 32207332/ IssueID/ 20100104