Meridia Withdrawn: Ohio Lawyer

The weight loss drug Meridia is the most recent weight loss medication to be withdrawn from the U.S. Market. The extent of any liability is unknown at this time, but the data compiled in the most recent study recognized a 16 percent increased risk of myocardial infarcation and stroke for patients using the medication. The Lyon Firm is actively investigating the case and whether there is a causal connection with any reported injuries.

The FDA reported that Abbott Laboratories is withdrawing the weight-loss drug sibutramine (Meridia) from the U.S. market due to an increased risk for heart attack and stroke.

The FDA requested the withdrawal after completing the September 2010 review of data from the Sibutramine Cardiovascular Outcomes Trial (SCOUT). In SCOUT, patients with cardiovascular disease or diabetes who were given sibutramine had a 16% increased risk for serious CV events, compared with those given placebo.

The agency advised hysicians to discontinue sibutramine and contact patients currently taking the drug. In addition, all adverse events should be reported to the MedWatch program.