Meridia News

FDA to Consider Pulling Meridia from Market

The consumer watchdog group, Public Citizen, is asking the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to stop the sale of the diet drug Meridia (sibutramine), saying that the drug has been associated with at least 25 deaths worldwide. The group argues that the weight loss advantages Meridia offers do not outweigh its risks. Abbott Laboratories, the manufacturer of the drug, states that no definitive link has been established between Meridia and the recent deaths. Abbott representatives argue that the deaths may stem from the underlying condition, obesity, and its associated health problems and risks. The FDA says it will evaluate Public Citizen’s petition.

Deaths in Europe Linked to Use of Sibutramine

The European Medicines Evaluation Agency is preparing to review the safety of sibutramine (marketed in Europe as Reductil and in the U.S. as Meridia). After two people in Italy died and 50 others reported adverse reactions, the Italian government temporarily banned the drug. Two deaths and over 200 complications have been reported in Britain and 99 complications have been reported in France, as well. So far, the drug is still being sold in those countries.

• Send to a Friend
• Contact Us
• Site Map