Parker Waichman LLP

Meridia Being Reviewed in Europe For Increased Stroke, Heart Attack Risk

European regulators are warning that Meridia, Abbott Laboratories’ popular diet drug, should be used with caution because it may be tied to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. The announcement by the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) comes nearly a month after the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) said it was reviewing the […]

European regulators are warning that <"https://www.yourlawyer.com/topics/overview/meridia">Meridia, Abbott Laboratories’ popular diet drug, should be used with caution because it may be tied to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. The announcement by the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) comes nearly a month after the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) said it was reviewing the safety of Meridia because of similar concerns.

Meridia (sibutramine) was approved by the FDA in 1997 for the management of obesity, including weight loss and maintenance of weight loss, in conjunction with a reduced calorie diet. It is only recommended for obese patients with an initial body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2, or BMI ≥ 27 kg/m2 with other risk factors (e.g., diabetes, high cholesterol, controlled high blood pressure).

The recent action by both the FDA and EMEA was prompted by analysis of preliminary data from a study called Sibutramine Cardiovascular Morbidity/Mortality Outcomes in Overweight or Obese Subjects at Risk of a Cardiovascular Event (SCOUT). Part of a post-approval commitment between the EMEA and Abbott Labs, SCOUT was designed to show that weight loss with Meridia and standard care was more effective in reducing the number of cardiovascular events compared to weight loss from a placebo and standard care. According to an FDA Early Communication issued in November, that analysis indicated that patients using sibutramine experienced a higher number of cardiovascular events compared to those using a placebo

In a press release issued December 18, the EMEA said it is reviewing data from SCOUT that indicate an increased risk of serious cardiovascular events, such as stroke or heart attack, with medicines containing sibutramine. In Europe, such products are sold under the brand names Reductil, Reduxade and Zelium.

The EMEA reminded doctors and patients to use sibutramine-containing medicines with caution, and only in accordance with the currently approved product information. In particular, the agency said these medicines should not be used in patients with coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, peripheral arterial occlusive disease, arrhythmia and cerebrovascular disease (stroke or transient ischemic attack). All patients should be regularly monitored for increases in blood pressure and heart rate. Patients who do not lose at least 5% of their body weight within 3 months should stop treatment. The maximum treatment duration should not exceed one year.

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
It was a pleasure working with Michelle Josama and Michael Zaransky. Michelle was very pleasant and courteous. Michael was very professional. Both made me feel like they really care. I would highly recommend them. Great team.
Crystal Moore
5 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Christina Morace my Paralegal at Parker Waichman’s Long Island office successfully obtained not one but two World Trade Center Victim Compensation awards for myself. She was knowledgeable, always there for me and fought for the compensation I deserved for working at Ground Zero and then unfortunately getting two 911 related ailments. I will highly recommend Christina to anyone who has to go through the Victim’s Compensation process.
Thomas McNally
7 months ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Just wanted to say thank you Parker Waichman it has been a long fight through this event also would like to thank Ms Stacy for hanging in there in keeping me updated. She did an outstanding job with a lot of care Great team work
miguel ortiz
9 months ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038