What is Meridia?

Meridia, or sibutramine, is a prescription weight loss drug that works to control appetite by inhibiting the body's ability to reabsorb serotonin and norepinephrine. Serotonin and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters that can trick the brain into thinking that the body is full.

Meridia, manufactured by Abbott Laboratories, was approved in 1997 with the FDA noting that it was only "moderately effective" at helping seriously obese patients lose weight. Data at the time indicated that patients taking Meridia only lost seven to 11 pounds more than patients who were just dieting.

On March 19, 2002 , Public Citizen, a consumer advocate group, petitioned the FDA to recall Meridia due to the deaths of approximately 32 people who died while taking the drug. The FDA is currently taking the petition under advisement.

Meridia Side Effects

Side effects of Meridia include:

  • Increased blood pressure
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Depression
  • Swelling of the feet, ankles, or body
  • Aches
  • Chills
  • Dry mouth
  • Constipation
  • Insomnia
  • Bruising
  • Seizures
  • Severe headache
  • Skin rash

Meridia Contraindications

In addition to the warning about its modest effectiveness, the FDA also cautioned that anyone with hypertension (high blood pressure), heart disease, an irregular heartbeat, as well as anyone who survived a stroke, should not take Meridia. Patients should also not take Meridia if:

  • They are currently taking an MAOI (monoamine oxidase inhibitor) for   disorders such as depression or Parkinson's disease
  • They are taking other weight loss drugs that affect the brain, including   phentermine
  • They have had an allergic reaction to Meridia
  • They have kidney or liver disease
  • They have had a stroke
  • They are pregnant
  • They are breastfeeding
  • They are taking medications for depression, including Paxil, Zoloft, Prozac, or Zyban
  • They have had seizures
  • They are under 16 years of age
  • They suffer from narrow-angle glaucoma
If you or someone you know has suffered injuries while taking the Meridia weight loss drug, contact an attorney to learn more about your legal rights.

 

 

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