Diethylpropion Tablets

What is this medication?

DIETHYLPROPION (dye eth il PROE pee on) promotes weight loss. It can be used short-term to promote weight loss when other therapies have not worked or cannot be tolerated. It works by decreasing appetite.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Depletite # 2, Radtue, Tenuate

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Agitation
• Glaucoma
• High blood pressure
• History of substance use disorder
• Hyperthyroid
• Kidney or liver disease
• Lung disease
• Valvular heart disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to diethylpropion, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medication 1 hour before meals. If a meal is missed, do not take that dose. An additional tablet may be taken in the mid-evening if needed for nighttime hunger. Do not take your medication more often than directed.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed. While this medication may be prescribed for children as young as 16 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take a dose as soon as you can with the next meal. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Fluoxetine
• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
• Medications for colds or breathing difficulties like pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine
• Other medications or herbal products for weight loss or to decrease appetite
• Procarbazine
• Sibutramine
• Stimulants like amphetamine, dextroamphetamine, dexmethylphenidate, methylphenidate or modafinil

This medication may also interact with the following:

• General anesthetics
• Insulin and other medications for diabetes
• Medications for high blood pressure
• Phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. You need to closely monitor your weight loss. If your rate of weight loss slows down or stops, you may need to stop the medication, and restart after a time without the medication.

You may get dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medication affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may increase dizziness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Mood and behavior changes—anxiety, nervousness, confusion, hallucinations, irritability, hostility, thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression
• Heart valve disease—shortness of breath, chest pain, unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, fever, sudden weight gain, fast or irregular heartbeat
• Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)—shortness of breath, unusual weakness or fatigue, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, blue skin or lips

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Blurry vision
• Change in sex drive or performance
• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Increase in amount of urine
• Trouble sleeping

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets. This medication can be abused. Keep your medication in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not share this medication with anyone. Selling or giving away this medication is dangerous and against the law.

Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Protect from heat. Keep container tightly closed.

This medication may cause harm and death if taken by other adults, children, or pets. It is important to get rid of the medication as soon as you no longer need it, or if it is expired. You can do this in two ways:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put in the trash, take the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash. Do not use the medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.