Contains phenylalanine. Unsuitable for use by pregnant or lactating women, infants, children, adolescents or people older than 65 years of age. Optifast VLCD™ should be taken under the supervision of a healthcare professional. It is indicated for persons with a BMI>30 or a BMI>27 with medical complications associated with obesity. Very low energy diet: take an additional two litres of calorie-free fluid each day. People with existing medical conditions, please consult your healthcare professional before use. Optifast VLCD™ Program is intended for use as part of the management of people who are obese or overweight when there is associated secondary pathology e.g. non-insulin dependent diabetes, hypertension, osteoarthritis, hypothyroidism corrected by replacement therapy, gynaecological disorders, hyperlipidaemia or where obesity is an impediment to surgery.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: Acute cerebrovascular or cardiovascular disease, renal disease, hepatic disease, type 1 diabetes, porphyria or overt psychosis. Use in pregnancy - Contraindicated. Use in lactation - Contraindicated. Use in children - Use of very low energy diets is not recommended in persons below 18 years. Use in elderly - Use of very low energy diets is not recommended in persons above 65 years of age.
PRECAUTIONS: Individuals with recent myocardial infarction should be referred to a cardiologist to determine suitability for modified fasting. Individuals receiving medication for diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia or those on lithium therapy may require a reduction in dose or withdrawal of treatment whilst undergoing modified fasting. Such individuals should be monitored carefully in the first weeks of an Optifast VLCD™ Program. Individuals with a history of gout, porphyria, or hepatic, renal or gall bladder disease should also be monitored carefully by their healthcare professional. Individuals on lithium therapy require more frequent monitoring of blood lithium levels. Alcohol should not be consumed when using the Optifast VLCD™ Program.
MONITORING: At the commencement of the program, individuals should be checked for normal renal and hepatic function and thereafter regular checks for weight, blood pressure and urinalysis by their doctor.
ADVERSE REACTIONS: Initial transient effects have been observed: sensitivity to cold, dry skin, temporary rash, temporary hair loss, postural hypotension, fatigue, diarrhoea, constipation, muscle cramps, halitosis, irritability, menstrual disturbances. These are generally insufficient in magnitude or duration to warrant cessation of the program but check with your GP. IN some rare cases, numbness and the appearance of previously unsuspected gallstones have been reported. Rapid weight loss occasionally leads to higher serum uric acid levels and might precipitate an acute attack of gout in a predisposed individual. This may be ameliorated by ensuring adequate fluid intake and including one teaspoon of vegetable oil with the 2 cups of additional vegetables consumed daily. Always check any adverse symptoms with a doctor. Although the Optifast VLCD™ Program contains adequate electrolytes for the needs of most individuals, some individuals may become hyponatraemic or hypokalaemic, especially if they are receiving diuretic therapy. In such circumstances, electrolyte supplements may be required as directed by your healthcare professional.