Interactions between Fenfluramine and Simpesse

The levonorgestrel in Simpesse has a major potential interaction with Abnormal Uterine Bleeding.

The use of contraceptives is contraindicated when there is an undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding. Adequate diagnostic measures should be undertaken to rule out the presence of any malignancy.

The ethinyl estradiol in Simpesse has a major potential interaction with Abnormal Uterine Bleeding.

The use of estrogens is contraindicated in patients with undiagnosed, abnormal vaginal bleeding. Prolonged (greater than 1 year), unopposed estrogen use (i.e. estrogen without concomitant progestin therapy) has been associated with a significant, dose-related risk of endometrial carcinoma. The risk may be offset substantially by the addition of a progestin but may not be completely abolished. Prior to initiating estrogen therapy, appropriate diagnostic tests should be performed in patients with abnormal vaginal bleeding to rule out endometrial malignancy. The same applies if recurrent or persistent bleeding develops during estrogen therapy.

Fenfluramine has a moderate potential interaction with Alcoholism.

Fenfluramine can cause somnolence, sedation, and lethargy. Central nervous system depressants, including alcohol, could potentiate these effects. Exercise caution when using this agent in alcoholic patients or those at risk of sedation. Close monitoring is advised. Advise patients not to drive or operate machinery until they know how this drug will affect them.

The ethinyl estradiol in Simpesse has a moderate potential interaction with Angioedema.

The use of exogenous estrogens may induce or exacerbate symptoms of angioedema, particularly in women with hereditary angioedema. Consider the risk versus benefits of estrogen therapy. Close monitoring is recommended when prescribing these agents to patients predisposed to angioedema.

The ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel in Simpesse both have a moderate potential interaction with Asthma.

Estrogens and progestogens may cause fluid retention, particularly when given in high dosages or for prolonged periods. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients who have preexisting problems with excess fluid. In addition, patients with conditions that may be adversely affected by fluid accumulation, such as asthma, epilepsy, migraine, and cardiovascular or renal dysfunction, should be observed for exacerbation of their condition during estrogen and/or progestogen therapy.

The levonorgestrel in Simpesse has a major potential interaction with Breast Cancer.

The use of progestogens is considered by manufacturers to be contraindicated in patients with existing or suspected malignancy of the breast. Some supportive data are available for medroxyprogesterone. Specifically, medroxyprogesterone treatment may be associated with breast cancer, primarily when the drug is administered intramuscularly. A pooled analysis of two case-control studies, one from the World Health Organization and the other from New Zealand, revealed a small overall relative risk of breast cancer in women who have ever used intramuscular medroxyprogesterone acetate. The relative risk was higher in the subgroup of women who had initiated therapy within the previous 5 years. Thus, an increased risk (approximately 2-fold) is associated with intramuscular medroxyprogesterone use in the first 5 years. A more recent U.S. study also found a statistically significant increase in breast cancer risk among recent users (defined as last use within the past five years) who used depo-medroxyprogesterone acetate for 12 months or longer.

The ethinyl estradiol in Simpesse has a major potential interaction with Breast Cancer.

When treated with an estrogen, patients with breast cancer and bone metastases may develop severe hypercalcemia, in which case the drug should be stopped and measures be taken to reduce serum calcium levels.

The ethinyl estradiol in Simpesse has a major potential interaction with Cerebral Vascular Disorder.

The use of estrogens is considered by manufacturers and some authorities to be contraindicated in patients with active thrombotic, thromboembolic, or thrombophilic disorders. The use of estrogen-containing oral contraceptives is additionally deemed contraindicated in patients with a history of such disorders and/or current cerebrovascular or coronary artery disease. Females with a history of migraines with aura are at an increased risk for stroke and this stroke risk may be further increased in females who have migraines with aura with use of combination oral contraceptives. Hypercoagulability and changes in various clotting factors and blood components have been observed in women receiving estrogen therapy. Known preexisting risk factors for increased thromboembolic or cardiovascular events include smoking, especially over age of 35; hypertension; hyperlipidemia; obesity; diabetes; age over 40; and lupus. Therapy with estrogens should be administered cautiously in the lowest effective dosage and only after careful consideration of risks and benefits. Estrogens should be avoided in patients with a history of thrombotic and thromboembolic disorders associated with estrogen use, except when used in the treatment of metastatic breast or prostatic malignancy.

The levonorgestrel in Simpesse has a moderate potential interaction with Cerebral Vascular Disorder.

The use of levonorgestrel requires careful assessment and caution in conditions of arterial disease, including stroke and myocardial infarction, and also, in patients with increased blood pressure and coagulopathies.

Fenfluramine has a major potential interaction with Depression.

The use of CNS stimulants can cause psychotic symptoms, suicidal ideation, and aggression, and can exacerbate symptoms of behavior disturbance and thought disorder; CNS stimulants may induce a manic or mixed episode in patients with bipolar disorder. Psychiatric symptoms have been reported in patients with and without history of psychiatric disorders. All patients (particularly those with psychotic or bipolar disorders) should be monitored closely, especially during treatment initiation and at times of dose changes. Extreme caution should be exercised when CNS stimulants are given to patients with a history of psychosis, depression, mania, or bipolar disorder. Prior to initiating therapy, all patients should be screened for risk factors for developing a manic episode (e.g., comorbid or history of depressive symptoms or family history of suicide, bipolar disease, or depression). If any psychiatric symptoms emerge or are exacerbated, treatment suspension should be considered. Some CNS stimulants are contraindicated in patients with marked agitation or anxiety.

Fenfluramine has a moderate potential interaction with Depression.

Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) have been associated with an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior in patients taking these drugs for any indication. Pooled analyses of 199 placebo-controlled clinical studies involving the use of 11 different AEDs showed that patients receiving AEDs had approximately twice the risk of suicidal thinking or behavior compared to patients receiving placebo. AEDs should be administered cautiously in patients with depression or other psychiatric disorders; phentermine-topiramate should be avoided in patients with history of suicidal attempts or active suicidal ideation. The risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior should be carefully assessed against the risk of untreated illness, bearing in mind that epilepsy and many other conditions for which AEDs are prescribed are themselves associated with morbidity and mortality and an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior. Patients, caregivers, and families should be alert to the emergence or worsening of signs and symptoms of depression, any unusual changes in mood or behavior, or the emergence of suicidal thoughts or behavior. If patients have symptoms of suicidal ideation or behavior, a dosage reduction or treatment discontinuation should be considered.

The ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel in Simpesse both have a moderate potential interaction with Depression.

The use of oral contraceptives has been associated with an increased incidence of depression. It is uncertain whether this effect is related to the estrogenic or the progestogenic component of the contraceptive, although excess progesterone activity is associated with depression. Patients with a history of depression receiving estrogen and/or progestogen therapy should be followed closely. The manufacturer of medroxyprogesterone recommends monitoring patients who have a history of depression and to not re- administer medroxyprogesterone if depression recurs.

The ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel in Simpesse both have a moderate potential interaction with Diabetes Mellitus.

Impaired glucose tolerance has been observed in some patients administered oral contraceptives and appears to be related primarily to the estrogen dose. However, progestogens can increase insulin secretion and produce insulin resistance to varying degrees, depending on the agent. Caution and close monitoring are recommended in patients with diabetes mellitus during therapy with estrogens and/or progestogens, and adjustments made accordingly in their antidiabetic regimen.

Fenfluramine has a moderate potential interaction with Failure to Thrive.

Fenfluramine can cause decreases in appetite and weight. Exercise care when using this agent in patients at risk of decreased appetite or weight. It is recommended to monitor the growth of pediatric patients carefully. Weight should be monitored regularly during treatment, and dose modifications should be considered if a decrease in weight is observed.

The ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel in Simpesse both have a moderate potential interaction with Fluid Retention.

Estrogens and progestogens may cause fluid retention, particularly when given in high dosages or for prolonged periods. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients who have preexisting problems with excess fluid. In addition, patients with conditions that may be adversely affected by fluid accumulation, such as asthma, epilepsy, migraine, and cardiovascular or renal dysfunction, should be observed for exacerbation of their condition during estrogen and/or progestogen therapy.

The ethinyl estradiol in Simpesse has a moderate potential interaction with Gallbladder Disease.

A two- to four-fold increase in risk of gallbladder disease has been noted in women receiving postmenopausal estrogen therapy. The risk for gallbladder disease may be less for premenopausal women using oral contraceptives containing low-dose estrogens and/or progestins. Therapy with estrogens should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting gallbladder disease or a history of pregnancy-related cholestasis.

The ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel in Simpesse both have a moderate potential interaction with Heart Failure.

Estrogens and progestogens may cause fluid retention, particularly when given in high dosages or for prolonged periods. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients who have preexisting problems with excess fluid. In addition, patients with conditions that may be adversely affected by fluid accumulation, such as asthma, epilepsy, migraine, and cardiovascular or renal dysfunction, should be observed for exacerbation of their condition during estrogen and/or progestogen therapy.

The ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel in Simpesse both have a major potential interaction with Hepatic Tumor.

The use of oral contraceptives is contraindicated in patients with liver tumors. An increased risk of benign hepatic adenomas and hepatocellular carcinomas has been associated with long-term, oral estrogen- progestin contraceptive use of at least 4 years and 8 years, respectively. Although these tumors are rare and have not been reported with other types of estrogen or progestogen therapies, any preparation containing estrogens and/or progestogens should probably be avoided in patients with existing tumors of the liver. Hepatic hemangiomas and nodular hyperplasia of the liver have been reported with isolated estrogen therapy.

The ethinyl estradiol in Simpesse has a major potential interaction with High Blood Pressure.

The risk of myocardial infarction and strokes, including those associated with oral contraceptive use and some estrogen use, is increased in patients with hypertension. Moreover, estrogens (and progestogens) may elevate blood pressure and worsen the hypertension, thus compounding the risk. Clinically significant blood pressure increases have been reported during estrogen therapy, particularly in patients receiving high dosages or treated with oral contraceptive combinations having high progestational activity. These effects also increase with duration of therapy and patient age. Therapy with estrogens should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting hypertension. Some estrogen-based therapies, such as combined hormonal contraceptives, may be contraindicated in patients with uncontrolled hypertension or hypertension with vascular disease. Patients should be monitored for changes in cardiovascular status, and their antihypertensive regimen adjusted or estrogen therapy withdrawn as necessary. In patients requiring contraception, alternative methods should be considered for those who are hypertensive, over age 35, and smoke.

Fenfluramine has a moderate potential interaction with High Blood Pressure.

Fenfluramine can cause an increase in blood pressure. Exercise care when using this agent in hypertensive patients. It is recommended to monitor blood pressure in patients treated with fenfluramine.

The levonorgestrel in Simpesse has a moderate potential interaction with High Blood Pressure.

Estrogens and progestogens may cause fluid retention, particularly when given in high dosages or for prolonged periods. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients who have preexisting problems with excess fluid. In addition, patients with conditions that may be adversely affected by fluid accumulation, such as asthma, epilepsy, migraine, and cardiovascular or renal dysfunction, should be observed for exacerbation of their condition during estrogen and/or progestogen therapy.

The levonorgestrel in Simpesse has a moderate potential interaction with High Cholesterol.

Some progestogenic agents may elevate plasma LDL levels and/or lower HDL levels, although data have been inconsistent. Patients with preexisting hyperlipidemia may require closer monitoring during progestogen therapy, and adjustments made accordingly in their lipid-lowering regimen.

The ethinyl estradiol in Simpesse has a moderate potential interaction with High Cholesterol.

Estrogens may cause adverse lipid changes. Use of estrogens has been associated with elevations in triglyceride levels, particularly in women with pre-existing hypertriglyceridemia. Discontinue therapy if elevated triglycerides lead to pancreatitis. Manage hypercholesterolemia appropriately as indicated.

The ethinyl estradiol in Simpesse has a major potential interaction with History, Thrombotic/Thromboembolic Disorder.

The use of estrogens is considered by manufacturers and some authorities to be contraindicated in patients with active thrombotic, thromboembolic, or thrombophilic disorders. The use of estrogen-containing oral contraceptives is additionally deemed contraindicated in patients with a history of such disorders and/or current cerebrovascular or coronary artery disease. Females with a history of migraines with aura are at an increased risk for stroke and this stroke risk may be further increased in females who have migraines with aura with use of combination oral contraceptives. Hypercoagulability and changes in various clotting factors and blood components have been observed in women receiving estrogen therapy. Known preexisting risk factors for increased thromboembolic or cardiovascular events include smoking, especially over age of 35; hypertension; hyperlipidemia; obesity; diabetes; age over 40; and lupus. Therapy with estrogens should be administered cautiously in the lowest effective dosage and only after careful consideration of risks and benefits. Estrogens should be avoided in patients with a history of thrombotic and thromboembolic disorders associated with estrogen use, except when used in the treatment of metastatic breast or prostatic malignancy.

The levonorgestrel in Simpesse has a moderate potential interaction with History, Thrombotic/Thromboembolic Disorder.

The use of levonorgestrel requires careful assessment and caution in conditions of arterial disease, including stroke and myocardial infarction, and also, in patients with increased blood pressure and coagulopathies.

The ethinyl estradiol in Simpesse has a major potential interaction with Ischemic Heart Disease.

The use of estrogens is considered by manufacturers and some authorities to be contraindicated in patients with active thrombotic, thromboembolic, or thrombophilic disorders. The use of estrogen-containing oral contraceptives is additionally deemed contraindicated in patients with a history of such disorders and/or current cerebrovascular or coronary artery disease. Females with a history of migraines with aura are at an increased risk for stroke and this stroke risk may be further increased in females who have migraines with aura with use of combination oral contraceptives. Hypercoagulability and changes in various clotting factors and blood components have been observed in women receiving estrogen therapy. Known preexisting risk factors for increased thromboembolic or cardiovascular events include smoking, especially over age of 35; hypertension; hyperlipidemia; obesity; diabetes; age over 40; and lupus. Therapy with estrogens should be administered cautiously in the lowest effective dosage and only after careful consideration of risks and benefits. Estrogens should be avoided in patients with a history of thrombotic and thromboembolic disorders associated with estrogen use, except when used in the treatment of metastatic breast or prostatic malignancy.

The levonorgestrel in Simpesse has a major potential interaction with Liver Disease.

The use of progestogens, in general, is contraindicated in patients with impaired hepatic function or liver disease. There are little or no data concerning the pharmacokinetic disposition of the different progestogens in patients with hepatic disease. However, most hormones, including progestational hormones, are known to be extensively metabolized by the liver. Medroxyprogesterone should not be used by women with significant liver disease and should be discontinued if jaundice or disturbances of liver function occur.

Fenfluramine has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Fenfluramine is primarily metabolized to norfenfluramine in the liver. The maximum daily dosage of 20 mg per day should not be exceeded in patients with mild and moderate liver dysfunction. Patients with severe liver dysfunction should not exceed 17 mg per day. The manufacturer prescribing information should be consulted for dose adjustment information of fenfluramine with other concomitant antiepileptic drugs.

The ethinyl estradiol in Simpesse has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Estrogens are primarily metabolized by the liver. Use of estrogen therapy is contraindicated in patients with liver dysfunction or disease. Patients with impaired hepatic function may be at increased risk for adverse effects associated with estrogen administration due to decreased drug clearance. Patients with hepatic hemangiomas are at increased risk of exacerbation with use of estrogens. Therapy with estrogens should be administered cautiously in patients with cholestatic jaundice associated with past estrogen use or with pregnancy. In addition, clinicians should be aware that estrogen therapy may affect liver function tests.

Fenfluramine has a moderate potential interaction with Malnourishment.

Fenfluramine can cause decreases in appetite and weight. Exercise care when using this agent in patients at risk of decreased appetite or weight. It is recommended to monitor the growth of pediatric patients carefully. Weight should be monitored regularly during treatment, and dose modifications should be considered if a decrease in weight is observed.

The ethinyl estradiol in Simpesse has a moderate potential interaction with Melasma.

The use of exogenous estrogens may occasionally cause chloasma, especially in women with a history of chloasma gravidarum. Women with a tendency to chloasma should avoid exposure to the sun or ultraviolet radiation while taking combination oral contraceptives.

The ethinyl estradiol in Simpesse has a major potential interaction with Migraine.

The use of estrogens is considered by manufacturers and some authorities to be contraindicated in patients with active thrombotic, thromboembolic, or thrombophilic disorders. The use of estrogen-containing oral contraceptives is additionally deemed contraindicated in patients with a history of such disorders and/or current cerebrovascular or coronary artery disease. Females with a history of migraines with aura are at an increased risk for stroke and this stroke risk may be further increased in females who have migraines with aura with use of combination oral contraceptives. Hypercoagulability and changes in various clotting factors and blood components have been observed in women receiving estrogen therapy. Known preexisting risk factors for increased thromboembolic or cardiovascular events include smoking, especially over age of 35; hypertension; hyperlipidemia; obesity; diabetes; age over 40; and lupus. Therapy with estrogens should be administered cautiously in the lowest effective dosage and only after careful consideration of risks and benefits. Estrogens should be avoided in patients with a history of thrombotic and thromboembolic disorders associated with estrogen use, except when used in the treatment of metastatic breast or prostatic malignancy.

The ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel in Simpesse both have a moderate potential interaction with Migraine.

Estrogens and progestogens may cause fluid retention, particularly when given in high dosages or for prolonged periods. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients who have preexisting problems with excess fluid. In addition, patients with conditions that may be adversely affected by fluid accumulation, such as asthma, epilepsy, migraine, and cardiovascular or renal dysfunction, should be observed for exacerbation of their condition during estrogen and/or progestogen therapy.

The ethinyl estradiol in Simpesse has a major potential interaction with Neoplasia, Estrogen Dependent.

The use of estrogens is generally contraindicated in patients with known or suspected estrogen-dependent neoplasia such as breast and endometrial cancer, since it may stimulate tumor proliferation. High dosages of estrogens may be used for the palliative treatment of inoperable, metastatic breast cancer, but only in appropriately selected men and postmenopausal women.

The ethinyl estradiol in Simpesse has a moderate potential interaction with Pancreatitis.

Estrogens may cause adverse lipid changes. Use of estrogens has been associated with elevations in triglyceride levels, particularly in women with pre-existing hypertriglyceridemia. Discontinue therapy if elevated triglycerides lead to pancreatitis. Manage hypercholesterolemia appropriately as indicated.

Fenfluramine has a major potential interaction with Psychosis.

The use of CNS stimulants can cause psychotic symptoms, suicidal ideation, and aggression, and can exacerbate symptoms of behavior disturbance and thought disorder; CNS stimulants may induce a manic or mixed episode in patients with bipolar disorder. Psychiatric symptoms have been reported in patients with and without history of psychiatric disorders. All patients (particularly those with psychotic or bipolar disorders) should be monitored closely, especially during treatment initiation and at times of dose changes. Extreme caution should be exercised when CNS stimulants are given to patients with a history of psychosis, depression, mania, or bipolar disorder. Prior to initiating therapy, all patients should be screened for risk factors for developing a manic episode (e.g., comorbid or history of depressive symptoms or family history of suicide, bipolar disease, or depression). If any psychiatric symptoms emerge or are exacerbated, treatment suspension should be considered. Some CNS stimulants are contraindicated in patients with marked agitation or anxiety.

Fenfluramine has a moderate potential interaction with Psychosis.

Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) have been associated with an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior in patients taking these drugs for any indication. Pooled analyses of 199 placebo-controlled clinical studies involving the use of 11 different AEDs showed that patients receiving AEDs had approximately twice the risk of suicidal thinking or behavior compared to patients receiving placebo. AEDs should be administered cautiously in patients with depression or other psychiatric disorders; phentermine-topiramate should be avoided in patients with history of suicidal attempts or active suicidal ideation. The risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior should be carefully assessed against the risk of untreated illness, bearing in mind that epilepsy and many other conditions for which AEDs are prescribed are themselves associated with morbidity and mortality and an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior. Patients, caregivers, and families should be alert to the emergence or worsening of signs and symptoms of depression, any unusual changes in mood or behavior, or the emergence of suicidal thoughts or behavior. If patients have symptoms of suicidal ideation or behavior, a dosage reduction or treatment discontinuation should be considered.

Fenfluramine has a major potential interaction with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.

Serotonergic drugs with 5-HT2B receptor agonist activity, including fenfluramine, have been associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension. Exercise care when using this agent in patients with pulmonary disease. Cardiac monitoring is required before starting, during, and after treatment. Cardiac monitoring via echocardiogram can identify evidence of pulmonary arterial hypertension. If pulmonary arterial hypertension is observed on an echocardiogram, the prescriber must consider the benefits versus the risks of initiating or continuing treatment. Echocardiograms should be repeated every six months, and once 3-6 months posttreatment.

Fenfluramine has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

Fenfluramine has not been studied in patients with end-stage renal disease (eGFR less than 15 mL/min/1.73 m2). In patients with severe renal dysfunction (eGFR 15 to 29 mL/min/1.73 m2) the maximum daily dosage of 20 mg per day should not be exceeded (17 mg per day if concomitant stiripentol is used). No dose adjustments are required for patients with mild and moderate renal dysfunction.

The ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel in Simpesse both have a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

Estrogens and progestogens may cause fluid retention, particularly when given in high dosages or for prolonged periods. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients who have preexisting problems with excess fluid. In addition, patients with conditions that may be adversely affected by fluid accumulation, such as asthma, epilepsy, migraine, and cardiovascular or renal dysfunction, should be observed for exacerbation of their condition during estrogen and/or progestogen therapy.

The ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel in Simpesse both have a moderate potential interaction with Seizures.

Estrogens and progestogens may cause fluid retention, particularly when given in high dosages or for prolonged periods. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients who have preexisting problems with excess fluid. In addition, patients with conditions that may be adversely affected by fluid accumulation, such as asthma, epilepsy, migraine, and cardiovascular or renal dysfunction, should be observed for exacerbation of their condition during estrogen and/or progestogen therapy.

The ethinyl estradiol in Simpesse has a major potential interaction with Smoking.

Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events from estrogen-containing combination oral contraceptives (COC). This risk increases with age, particularly in females over 35 years of age, and with the number of cigarettes smoked. For this reason, COCs are contraindicated in females who are over 35 years of age and smoke.

The ethinyl estradiol in Simpesse has a major potential interaction with Thrombotic/Thromboembolic Disorder.

The use of estrogens is considered by manufacturers and some authorities to be contraindicated in patients with active thrombotic, thromboembolic, or thrombophilic disorders. The use of estrogen-containing oral contraceptives is additionally deemed contraindicated in patients with a history of such disorders and/or current cerebrovascular or coronary artery disease. Females with a history of migraines with aura are at an increased risk for stroke and this stroke risk may be further increased in females who have migraines with aura with use of combination oral contraceptives. Hypercoagulability and changes in various clotting factors and blood components have been observed in women receiving estrogen therapy. Known preexisting risk factors for increased thromboembolic or cardiovascular events include smoking, especially over age of 35; hypertension; hyperlipidemia; obesity; diabetes; age over 40; and lupus. Therapy with estrogens should be administered cautiously in the lowest effective dosage and only after careful consideration of risks and benefits. Estrogens should be avoided in patients with a history of thrombotic and thromboembolic disorders associated with estrogen use, except when used in the treatment of metastatic breast or prostatic malignancy.

The levonorgestrel in Simpesse has a moderate potential interaction with Thrombotic/Thromboembolic Disorder.

The use of levonorgestrel requires careful assessment and caution in conditions of arterial disease, including stroke and myocardial infarction, and also, in patients with increased blood pressure and coagulopathies.

The ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel in Simpesse both have a moderate potential interaction with Thyroid Disease.

When administering estrogen and/or progestogen therapy in patients with thyroid disorders, clinicians should be aware that these hormones may affect thyroid function tests. Patients on thyroid replacement therapy may require higher doses of thyroid hormone and appropriate monitoring. Changes have mostly been reported with the use of combination oral contraceptives. Specifically, thyroid-binding globulin (TBG) may be increased, resulting in elevated circulating total thyroid hormone, as measured by PBI (protein-bound iodine), T4 by column or radioimmunoassay, or T3 by radioimmunoassay. Free T3 resin uptake may be decreased. On the contrary, a decrease in TBG and, consequently, thyroxine concentration, has been reported by the manufacturers of the progestin-only (norethindrone) oral contraceptives.

Fenfluramine has a major potential interaction with Valvular Heart Disease.

Serotonergic drugs with 5-HT2B receptor agonist activity, including fenfluramine have been associated with valvular heart disease. Exercise care when using this agent in patients with cardiac disease. Cardiac monitoring is required prior to starting, during, and after treatment. If valvular heart disease is observed on an echocardiogram, the prescriber must consider the benefits versus the risks of initiating or continuing treatment. Echocardiograms should be repeated every six months, and once 3-6 months posttreatment.

Fenfluramine has a moderate potential interaction with Visual Defect/Disturbance.

Fenfluramine can cause mydriasis and can precipitate angle-closure glaucoma. Exercise care when using this agent in patients with visual disturbances. Consider discontinuing treatment in patients with acute decrease in visual acuity or ocular pain.

The levonorgestrel in Simpesse has a minor potential interaction with Weight Loss.

Progestogens can cause weight gain, which may be significant (as is the case with parenteral medroxyprogesterone) and undesirable in obese patients attempting to lose weight.