January 22, 2010

FDA places warning on weight loss drug Meridia

On January 21, 2010, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) placed a warning on the weight loss drug Meridia after concluding that the drug may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke for people with a history of cardiovascular disease or other heart-related health problems. Motley Rice medical attorney Carmen Scott commented, "The new FDA warning about Meridia is a reminder that even seemingly harmless diet drugs may cause serious, potentially deadly, consequences."

The European Medicines Agency pulled the drug, sold as Reductil, Reduxade and Zelium in Europe, from the market entirely and is advising the FDA to ban the drug in the U.S. The FDA is currently reviewing preliminary data from a recent study suggesting that patients using Meridia are more likely to suffer more adverse cardiovascular effects than patients using a placebo. The FDA is also evaluating whether, in addition to the warning, regulatory action needs to take place. In the meantime, healthcare professionals and consumers are encouraged to report adverse side effects from the use of Meridia to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program.

Click here for more information about the FDA’s warning and updates about the status of on-going studies regarding Meridia

Click here to read an article about the FDA warning on Meridia featured by Reuters.  

Motley Rice attorneys advocate on behalf of individuals suffering from potentially dangerous pharmaceutical drugs and products and fight to hold accountable those responsible for negligent medical care, corporate wrongdoing and inadequate research and product development. If you or someone you know may have suffered adverse health effects due to the use of Meridia, contact attorney Fred Thompson or attorney Carmen Scott by email or call +1 800.768.4026.