Reductil FAQ

What is Reductil?

Reductil is the brand name of the prescription weight loss drug for dieters, sibutramine, that has been approved for use for use as an aid to weight loss in suitable people. It is also known as Meridia in the US and Canada, but there is no diffference between Reductil and Meridia.

Who is Reductil suitable for?

Reductil may be prescribed for you by a doctor if you have a BMI greater than 30, or you have a BMI greater than 27 together with other risk factors such as dyslipidaemia or type II diabetes. Note that Reductil is not suitable for you if you have high blood pressure, as one of the side effects of Reductil is to raise blood pressure. Certainly, if your blood pressure is in excess of 140/90 you should not be prescribed Reductil. You should be prepared to follow a lower calorie diet and increase the amount of exercise you take (following your doctor's advice). Your doctor may stop prescribing Reductil for you if you do not lose at least 2Kg of weight during the first 4 weeks of treatment, or 5% of your initial bodyweight after the first three months of treatment.

How should Reductil be taken?

The dose is one 10mg capsule taken once a day with water, in the morning. Certain patients who do not respond adequately to 10mg / day of Reductil (i.e. they did not lose 2Kg of weight) may be prescribed 15mg / day Reductil by their doctor instead, provided that they tolerated the 10mg dose well.

What results can I expect?

Clinical trials have shown that Reductil is moderately successful in producing weight loss in patients who are obese. 85% of patients who took Reductil lost at least 5% of their initial body weight, with 57% losing at least 10% of their initial bodyweight.

Will I regain the weight lost?

It is likely that weight will be regained once treatment with Reductil stops.

How does Reductil work?

Reductil is an appetite suppressant. It works by increasing serotonin levels, by blocking the action of the nerve cells that release and reabsorb seratonin. The increased levels of seratonin act directly on the brain to make you feel more full, so that you eat less. Hence, you lose weight.

What are the most common side effects?

The most common side effects include trouble sleeping, increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure and a dry mouth. See side effects for more detailed information.

Can I get it on the NHS?

Yes, this drug has been approved by Nice. If you live in the UK and your doctor believes that you are a suitable candidate for Reductil, he will be able to prescribe it for you on the NHS.

Is there anything else I should be aware of?

You should ensure that you see a doctor regularly whilst taking this drug, so that he can check your blood pressure and heart rate, because sibutramine is known to elevate blood pressure and heart rate in some patients, to varying degrees. You should also see a doctor straight away if you suffer from any shortness of breath, chest pain or swollen ankles.

Is it available on private prescription?

Yes, either from a private clinic or online.