Meridia, or sibutramine, is a diet drug that was prescribed as a weight loss medication in the United States. However, as of October 2010, the maker of Meridia, Abbott Laboratories, has withdrawn the drug from the market due to research demonstrating health risks. If you were taking Meridia, talk with your doctor about alternatives.
Weight Loss
Meridia helped promote weight loss by targeting receptors in the brain associated with decreasing appetite. However, the drug was effective only when combined with diet and exercise, and the total weight loss was typically small, at 5 percent or less. The drug's maker determined that the benefits of having the drug on the market were not worth the risk of life-threatening side effects.
History
The FDA approved three different doses of Meridia for use as a weight-loss drug in November 1997. Because they noted a risk for increased heart rate and blood pressure, especially at higher doses, they did not approve the use of Meridia at the two highest doses proposed by the manufacturer. The drug was approved for use in patients with a BMI over 30 or those with a BMI over 27 and risk factors for heart disease.
Health Risks
After approval for Meridia's use in the European Union, a study called the Sibutramine Cardiovascular Outcomes Trial began, in order to verify Meridia's safety. The researchers, who conducted the study between 2003 and 2009, found a 16 percent increase in the risk of serious cardiovascular problems -- such as heart attack, stroke and death -- for those using Meridia compared to those in the control group. Because of this increased risk, approval was withdrawn for its use both in the U.S. and the European Union.
Recommendations
If you are taking Meridia, you should stop using it and dispose of any pills you have left. The FDA doesn't know of any risks or side effects associated with stopping Meridia, although you may experience changes in your weight after you stop taking Meridia. Speak with your doctor to determine a new weight-loss plan.
References
- Drugs.com: Meridia; Oct. 18, 2010
- PubMed Health: Sibutramine; Oct. 1, 2010
- NPR: Diet Pill Meridia Raises Risks For Strokes, Heart Attacks; Scott Hensley; Sept. 2, 2010
- Food and Drug Administration: Questions and Answers: FDA Recommends Against the Continued Use of Meridia (sibutramine); Oct. 8, 2010
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