Meridia Side Effects High Risk Patients...

Abbott Laboratories began to market its diet pill by claiming there were few Meridia side effects, unlike previously withdrawn and deadly fen phen, which caused national headlines and countless litigation due to its’ dangers. Meridia was still highly anticipated due to the absence of a “miracle” weight loss drug on the market and Meridia received FDA approval despite its own advisory committee having voted against the move due to the Meridia side effects the committee felt were too great. From February 1998 until September 2001, 397 serious Meridia side effects were reported to the FDA

Included in the 397 serious Meridia side effects reports were 152 hospitalizations, 29 deaths, and 143 reports of arrhythmia. There were a high percentage of cardiovascular Meridia side effects, accounting for 19 of the reported 29 deaths. Public Citizen consumer group found the Meridia side effects to pose such a threat to consumers that it petitioned the FDA for the immediate removal of Meridia from the market. The group later urged the FDA to bring criminal charges against Abbott for illegally withholding Meridia side effects, including death from regulators.

Meridia patients identified as "high risk" have certain medical conditions that can increase the likelihood of suffering a Meridia side effect, they include:

1. Uncontrolled or poorly controlled high blood pressure.
2. Are taking prescription medicines called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) for depression, Parkinson's disease, or any other disorder (for example: Eldepryl, Parnate, Nardil).
3. Are taking other weight loss medications that act on the brain (for example: phentermine). This includes prescription and over-the-counter medications and herbal products.
4. Have had prior allergic reactions to MERIDIA or sibutramine.
5. Have a diagnosis of coronary artery disease and/or who have angina pectoris (heart-related chest pain).
6. Have arrhythmias (irregular heart beats).
7. Have had a prior heart attack.
8. Have a diagnosis of congestive heart failure.
9. Have severe liver or kidney disease.
10. Have had a stroke or symptoms of a stroke (transient ischemic attacks [TIAs]).
11. Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
12. Are breast-feeding their infants.
13. Are suffering from anorexia nervosa.
14. Are taking prescription medications for depression.
15. Have had seizures (epilepsy or convulsions).
16. Have an eye disorder called narrow angle glaucoma.
17. Are under 16 years of age.
18. Are taking other medications that regulate the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain (for example: Prozac, Zoloft, Effexor, Luvox, or Paxil).

Meridia side effects are deadly and serious. The weight loss effects of Meridia have been considered to be minimal by many, while Meridia side effects risk much greater. For more information on Meridia side effects contact us.

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