Personal Injury Law

Meridia to be taken off the market over health concerns

By Ryan Bradley, Esq.

The Food and Drug Administration has announced the drug Meridia (also known as sibutramine) is being taken off the market by its distributor after clinical trials demonstrated there was an increased risk for strokes and heart attacks among people who used it.

Meridia is developed by Abbott Laboratories, who voluntarily withdrew the drug, and is used to treat obesity. 8 million people around the world use it.

Clinical trials showed the potential dangers of taking the drug were a 16 percent increase in non-fatal heart attacks and strokes. Representatives from the study said the drug has only a small effect on a patient's weight and the risks far outweigh the benefits of the drug.

The FDA recently changed regulations regarding clinical trials aimed at finding health risks of defective drugs. No indication was given as to whether the new regulations contributed to the withdrawal of Meridia.

Full post as published by Missouri Accident Lawyer Blog on October 09, 2010 (boomark / email).