Tenuate Dospan

Diethylpropion is used as part of a short-term plan, along with a low calorie diet, for weight reduction. It is used in obese patients who have not been able to lose weight with diet and exercise alone. Diethylpropion belongs to the group of medicines known as appetite suppressants.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

This section provides information on the proper use of a number of products that contain diethylpropion. It may not be specific to Tenuate Dospan. Please read with care.

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. If too much is taken, it may become habit-forming (causing mental or physical dependence).

This medicine is available in two forms: the immediate-release tablets and the controlled-release tablets. Ask your doctor which dosage form is right for you.

Swallow the controlled-release tablets whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it.

Carefully follow your doctor's instructions for a reduced-calorie diet plan and regular exercise. Talk with your doctor before starting any exercise program.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For treatment of obesity:
  • For oral dosage form (immediate-release tablets):
    • Adults and teenagers 17 years of age and older—25 milligrams (mg) three times a day, taken one hour before meals, and in mid evening to overcome night hunger.
    • Children 16 years of age and younger—Use is not recommended.
  • For oral dosage form (controlled-release tablets):
    • Adults and teenagers 17 years of age and older—75 milligrams (mg) once a day, taken usually in mid morning.
    • Children 16 years of age and younger—Use is not recommended.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

• It is used to treat obesity.

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.