What You Need to Know About the Diet Pill Meridia:
Meridia is a diet pill that acts as an appetite suppressant that contains Sibutramide. This diet pill is manufactured by Abbott laboratories and requires a prescription. Meridia is used in conjunction with a proper diet and exercise plan to reduce weight and is suppose to affect that part of the brain that signals a sense of fullness. This diet pill is meant for people who have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or individuals that are at risk of high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol.
Unfortunately, Meridia has been linked to a number of side effects that have been reported to the FDA by consumers and physicians. Abbot has reported 34 deaths associated with Meridia but is not convinced there is a connection. Some healthcare providers are advising patients to stop their Meridia therapies while the FDA does further research into the adverse side effects of this diet pill.
Many side effects have been linked to Meridia including heart attack, stroke, seizures, kidney dysfunction, bronchitis, joint pain, nausea, anxiety and abdominal pain as well as other side effects too numerous to mention here. The Consumer Protection Group Public Citizen has asked the FDA to ban Meridia and has accused the manufacturer of hiding the potential risks of this diet pill.
Is There a Possible Recall in Store for Meridia?
A recent study in September 2010 done by the London School Hygiene and Topical Medicine reports that out of 10,744 overweight test subjects who also had heart problems or diabetes type-2, that 440 suffered a heart attack and 279 experienced a stroke. The New England Journal of Medicine reviewed these results and felt there was a problem with Meridia and asked the FDA to remove it from the market. An FDA advisory panel met in September 2010 to discuss the possibility of a Meridia Recall due to reports of Meridia cardiovascular problems. The FDA’s vote was mixed in its decision. About half of the panel wanted Meridia recalled and the other half thought that a “black box” warning placed on packaging along with monitoring of patients would be sufficient.
If you have experienced cardiovascular complications such as heart attack, stroke or hypertension or any other Meridia side effects you may be entitled to financial compensation for suffering and pain, lost wages and medical costs. You may want to contact a Meridia lawyer to see if you qualify for a Meridia Lawsuit.
Susan Ardizzoni, Ph.D. holds a Doctorate in Biology with a major in Neuroscience (medical) and minors in Biochemistry, Physics, and Mathematics with experience in basic and clinical research. Although the author is not an attorney, this article was sponsored by the law firm of Bernstein Liebhard LLP and constitutes Attorney Advertising. To learn more about Meridia Recall or Meridia Lawsuit please visit www.ConsumerInjuryLawyers.com