Dangerous Drug and Recall News

In recent years, reports have indicated that the obesity rate in the United States is as high as 30%, depending on the specific definition used by a particular outlet.  Regardless of the semantics, Americans have what some are calling a serious weight problem, and companies of all types have been working to formulate products that are designed to help fight this dangerous condition.  One such company, Abbott Laboratories, released a prescription medication known as Meridia onto the market after it was approved by the FDA in 1997.  Unfortunately, reports of Meridia side effects have since surfaced, prompting calls for help from Meridia side effects lawyers.  Below is an overview of the issue.

Meridia Side Effects – The History

After a few years on the market, reports of Meridia side effects in patients began to surface in high enough numbers that the medical community began to take notice.  These Meridia side effects included:

• Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH)
• Heart attacks
• Cardiac valve damage
• Heart valve disease
• Death

These Meridia side effects are all quite serious, and overall, at least 29 people have died during or after using the drug and hundreds of others have suffered from any of the other side effects listed above.  All of these reports began to prompt different actions, one of which was taken in Italy, where authorities there banned the sale of Meridia within that country after two people who had been using Meridia died of heart attacks.

Meridia Side Effects – The Study that Got the FDA’s Attention

In 2002, a cooperative effort between Abbott Laboratories and several different European agencies began a study known as the Sibutramine Cardiovascular Morbidity/Mortality Outcomes in Overweight or Obese Subjects at Risk of a Cardiovascular Event (SCOUT).  This study tracked 10,000 people, some of whom were given Meridia and others who were given a placebo.  The preliminary results indicated that those who were using Meridia encountered a higher risk of developing cardiovascular events not unlike those mentioned above.

In response to these preliminary findings, the FDA has recently announced by way of an Early Meridia Communication that it intends to take a closer look at this study’s findings, other evidence and additional factors in an attempt to determine what, if anything, should be done in a regulatory sense in regards to Meridia.  No timetable has been given, but the FDA promised an expedited process given the obvious dangers potentially involved with the use of this product.

Meridia Side Effects Lawyers – How to Proceed

If you or someone you love has suffered from Meridia side effects, you need to obtain the answers you need regarding your legal rights and options.  Contact the Meridia side effects lawyers at the Phillips National Injury Group today to schedule a free initial consultation.