Citing a 16% Increase in Risk of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events FDA Recommends Meridia Use be Discontinued
New data from the Sibutramine (Meridia) Cardiovascular Outcomes (SCOUT) trial showed little weight loss but significant increased risk of non-fatal heart attack, stroke, a cardiovascular event requiring resuscitation and cardiovascular death. The FDA suggests that those taking Meridia for weight loss stop taking it, speak to their physician about alternate treatments and contact a physician "right away" should they experience chest pain, palpitations, etc. The FDA recommends physicians stop prescribing Meridia, contact patients currently on Meridia and ask that they stop taking it, inform patients of these risks, assess patients for evidence of outcomes associated with Meridia use and to report any side effects to the FDA's MedWatch program.
Abbott Laboratories has agreed to withdraw Meridia and advises patients to discontinue the use of sibutramine and to consult their physician for alternatives. Abbott's press release contains an extensive discussion of the risks, what patients need to do and the potential side effects of which they ought to be aware. For additional information see www.sibutramine.com .
Given what's happened of late with any drug remotely associated with the treatment of Type II diabetes I'll go out on a limb and predict that companies will in the future be very wary of developing treatments for this malady or any underlying factor such as obesity.
