Nature of the Market Removal

On October 8, 2010, the manufacturer of the obesity drug Meridia (sibutramine) voluntarily removed the medication from the market.  

In the FDA's announcement, Dr. John Jenkins, director of the Office of New Drugs for the FDA’s Drug Evaluation and Research office, stated that “Meridia’s continued availability is not justified when you compare the very modest weight loss that people achieve on this drug to their risk of heart attack or stroke.  He continued, stating “Physicians are advised to stop prescribing Meridia to their patients and patients should stop taking this medication. Patients should talk to their health care provider about alternative weight loss and weight loss maintenance programs.”

You can read the entire October 8, 2010 announcement here.

The move by Abbott Labs was apparently taken in response to the results of recent clinical trial that found a 16 percent increased risk of cardiovascular events as compared to a placebo with minimal changes in weight.

Possible Injuries

• Heart Attacks

• Stroke

• Death, and
  

• Other serious Cardiovascular Events.

Action

Meridia lawyer Mike Sudekum is currently reviewing injuries and deaths that occurred while someone was taking the weight loss drug Meridia.  If you or a loved one suffered a heart attack, stroke or death while on Meridia, you may have a claim for damages.  Please contact dangerous drug attorney Mike Sudekum for a free discussion of your legal options.