Ionamin is an appetite suppressant used in conjunction with an overall diet planand exercise to reduce weight. Ionamin contains sustained-release form of phentermine in a resin complex.
Prescribed by U.S. doctors and dispensed by U.S. pharmacists.
Ionamin comes in 30mg and 15 mg capsules. We dispense only 30mg capsules.
The 30mg capsule is orange and is labeled "Ionamin 30".
HOW DOES Ionamin 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. Ionamin is the only medicine of this class that is set in resin.
The resin allows the compound to be released slowly into the blood stream. Some
patients prefer it because they believe it to be associated with fewer side effects,
others do not.
HOW TO TAKE Ionamin:
This medication is best taken on an empty stomach; one hour before breakfast
each morning. Sustained-release or long acting products such as this, must be
swallowed whole. Crushing or chewing them will destroy the long action and may
cause increased side effects. Because this medication may cause sleeplessness,
avoid taking a dose late in the day. 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 Ionamin?
Ionamin is an effective form of therapy for the obese patient that needs
to lose weight to decrease diseases associated with significant obesity. The magnitude
of the weight loss will depend on the degree of caloric restriction and the use
of a graded exercise program.
HOW LONG CAN I CONTINUE TO USE Ionamin?
Ionamin 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 Ionamin after a few weeks of
treatment, which is when you should be well on your way to a new lifestyle and
ready to stop Ionamin.
Appetite suppressants are not a substitute for proper diet. For maximum effects,
this must be used in conjunction with a diet and exercise program.
SORTING THROUGH GENERIC VS. BRAND NAME DRUGS:
When a pharmaceutical company develops a new drug, it gives the drug two names.
The first, its generic name represents the chemical structure or chemical form
of the drug. The generic name of a drug never changes. In this case the generic
name of these drugs we are discussing below is PHENTERMINE. The second
name given to a drug is its brand name. This is the name given to the medicine
by the pharmaceutical company and has nothing to do with its chemical form. The
brand names of the drugs we are discussing are ADIPEX-P and Ionamin.
They are both fairly similar in that they are composed of PHENTERMINE,
and subsequently given different names by the companies that manufacturer them.
No other pharmaceutical company can ever use the brand name of the drug at any
time.
PHENTERMINE HYDROCHLORIDE (GENERIC NAME) - ADIPEX-P and Ionamin (BRAND NAMES):
PHENTERMINE, the generic name for ADIPEX-P and Ionamin
comes in immediate release or time-release formulas. Immediate release pills enter
your blood stream as soon as you take them, and time-release capsules release
their medication into your body over an extended period of time, generally 8 or
12 hours. As you can see, there are many popular brand names of PHENTERMINE.
Nonetheless, all of the above named compounds are considered clinically equivalent
in producing weight loss.
Ionamin VS. XENICAL:
PHNETERMINE 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.
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 dizzy or lightheaded,
avoid driving or engaging in activities requiring alertness. Alcohol can increase
unwanted side effects of dizziness. Limit its use.
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 Ionamin alone cannot be ruled out.
CONTRAINDICATIONS:
Ionamin is contraindicated in patients with arteriosclerosis, cardiovascular
disease, and moderate to severe hypertension.
