Abbott Laboratories Recalls Meridia Due to Cardiac Risk
Abbott Laboratories' diet drug, Meridia, has been withdrawn from the U.S. market. The recall, issued Oct. 8, 2010, was based on findings that link the drug to an increased risk of cardiac problems including heart attack and stroke.
Abbott issued the voluntary recall after a request from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Last month, the FDA panel was undecided as to whether the drug should be recalled. The panel was split, eight members voted that the diet drug be banned; six voted that the drug get stronger warnings and only made available to certain patients; two others agreed that a black box warning would be sufficient.
After further investigations and a closer look at the study results, the FDA has decided a recall is necessary. The drug has been found to put users at a 16 percent increased risk of heart attack and other cardiac problems.
Since being introduced to the U.S. Market in 1998 by
Abbott Laboratories, Meridia has seen its popularity skyrocket.
Within a year, Meridia's manufacturers, Abbott Laboratories,
saw its new diet drug prescribed nearly 2 million times. Global
sales of the Meridia diet drug approached $200 million last year.
Based on sales figures, it would appear that Meridia is a successful
diet drug. However, recent events have cast substantial shadows
on both the effectiveness of Meridia, and more significantly,
on the safety of Meridia.
On March 8, 2002 the Italian Health Ministry suspended the sales
of Meridia (which is marketed as Reductil overseas) after receiving
50 reports of adverse reactions to the diet drug, including 2
deaths. The suspension of the Meridia diet drug in Italy has other
nation's regulatory bodies, expressing concern about Meridia.
On March 19, 2002, the consumer advocacy group Pubic Citizen filed
a petition with the FDA requesting a Meridia recall. In the petition,
Public Citizen described the diet drug as "unacceptably dangerous,"
citing the 397 serious adverse reactions reported to the FDA,
including 152 hospitalizations, and 29 patient deaths. By early
June, five users of the diet drug have filed suit against Abbott
Laboratories over alleged Meridia side effects including heart
problems.
If you, a family member, or loved one has taken Meridia (sibutramine
hydrochloride monohydrate) please contact us regarding your legal
rights.
Abbott Laboratories and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a voluntary recall of the diet drug Meridia (sibutramine), Oct. 8, 2010. The obesity drug was recalled because it put people at risk of suffering severe and potentially fatal heart risks, including heart attack and stroke.
The Meridia recall advises physicians to stop prescribing the diet drug. Patients are advised to terminate use and talk to their doctors about another weight loss program. The heart problems could lead to death.
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