Meridia | Dallas/Fort Worth Weight Loss Drug Attorneys
Meridia (sibutramine HCl monohydrate) is an oral medication used to treat obesity. Manufactured by Abbott Laboratories, Meridia blocks the re-uptake of the brain chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine. By inhibiting the re-absorption of these chemicals, Meridia makes patients prescribed this medication feel fuller for longer periods of time.
Meridia was approved by the FDA in 1997 for the medical management of obesity and maintenance of weight loss. On September 15, 2010, the Food and Drug Administration’s drug advisory committee met to discuss the potential removal from the market of the diet pill, Meridia. Manufactured by Abbott Laboratories, Meridia has been under watch for several year for serious and even deadly side effects. In the FDA. At the FDA’s drug advisory committee meeting, panel members were split. Eight voted to pull the drug from the market entirely, while the other eight voted to keep it with a stronger warning label.
According to results of research conducted by FDA scientists, Meridia patients are at a 16% higher risk of major and adverse cardiac events. This trial showed more than enough evidence to pull the drug from the U.S. market. Last fall, the scientists reviewed 17 reported deaths and said they “cannot be dismissed as coincidental and unrelated to the patients’ Meridia use. A separate review also showed that “young people without known risk factors (aside from obesity) have died soon after starting Meridia therapy.” The FDA usually follows the recommendation of its panel, but not always.
In spite of these finding, Abbott Laboratories insists the benefits of Meridia far outweigh the risks. However, the company also stated that Merida may need what’s called a “black box” warning – the most severe warning a drug can have. In Europe, Meridia has already been pulled off the market completely. Meridia’s sales have greatly suffered since its risks have been revealed over the last couple of years. In 2008, Meridia sales were $340 million, compared to an anticipated $101 million this year.
Side effects of Meridia include the following:
*Headache
*Dry mouth
*Constipation
*Insomnia
*Increased sweating
*Increased blood pressure
*Increased heart rate
Because Meridia significantly increases blood pressure and heart rate in some patients, it should not be given to patients with hypertension, a history of heart disease, stroke, severe liver or kidney disease, pregnant women or nursing mothers.
Studies show that Meridia may substantially increase the risk of the following:
*Heart attacks
*Strokes
*High blood pressure
*Blood clots
*Seizures
*Neurological disorders
Meridia has not proven to be a highly successful drug in the treatment of weight loss. In fact, the average weight loss of any patient taking Meridia was reported as only 5-9% within six months. To counter that research, Abbott Laboratories claims that because obesity is a chronic condition, weight is regained rapidly when patients stop taking Meridia. Therefore, Abbott Laboratories recommends patients stay on Meridia permanently – either in cycles or constantly.
Weight loss drugs such as Meridia have been associated with pulmonary hypertension (PPH). This disease is rare, but sometimes fatal. Research is inconclusive as to whether Meridia causes PPH. Such weight loss drugs have also been linked to cardiac valve dysfunction. One study researched patients taking Meridia for a period of two weeks to sixteen months. Three out of 132 patients who had taken Meridia had heart valve disease.
If you believe you or someone you care about has taken Meridia and experienced serious side effects, or a death has resulted from taking Meridia, please call one of our attorneys or fill out the Free Case Review Form to the right of this page. Our law firm has helped hundreds of people recover money they’re owed for their injuries. We can help you too.
