| Meridia |
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Meridia (generic name: sibutramine) is a popular diet
drug that is frequently used to treat obesity. Meridia
has been shown to promote moderate weight loss in people
who use it. However, Meridia has been associated with
at least 29 deaths -- many cardiovascular in nature.
Numerous reports of health problems among Meridia users
have also been reported to the FDA and European health
organizations. As a result, on March 19, 2002, Public
Citizen, a consumer advocacy group, petitioned the FDA
to recall the drug.
First approved in 1997, Meridia has a history of raising
safety concerns. During initial clinical trials, some
questioned whether its relative efficacy was worth it
potential health risks, considering that patients taking
Meridia tend to lose only 10 or so more pounds than
people who simply diet. Since Meridia's approval, the
FDA has twice strengthened the drug's warning labels.
Meridia has already been withdrawn from the market in
Italy.
Possible dangerous side effects of Meridia include
elevated blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, heart
arrhythmia, and other cardiovascular problems. If you
have been harmed by Meridia, please contact us today!
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