Dangerous Drug and Recall News » PPH http://www.resource4defectivedrugs.com/news Consumer Guide to Filing Lawsuits Thu, 23 Sep 2010 23:08:43 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.3 en hourly 1 Meridia Heart Attack Warning from FDA http://www.resource4defectivedrugs.com/news/2010/01/meridia-heart-attack-warning-from-fda/ http://www.resource4defectivedrugs.com/news/2010/01/meridia-heart-attack-warning-from-fda/#comments Mon, 25 Jan 2010 22:00:03 +0000 Legal Advocate http://www.resource4defectivedrugs.com/news/?p=63 Meridia is a drug that’s manufactured by Abbott Laboratories, and for many years it has been one of the leading medications in the world for people who were fighting obesity.  Obesity has been a growing problem in the United States for several years, and those who are obese can face other very difficult health problems as a result of this underlying condition.  It’s estimated that as many as 8 million people have used Meridia worldwide since it was originally approved by the FDA and introduced to the market in 1997.  Unfortunately, the drug eventually began to generate reports of problems in those who had used it, and Meridia side effects lawyers began to take notice and enforce the legal rights of their clients.

Meridia Side Effects Lawyers – First Wave of Problems Arise

After a few years on the market, the first reports of serious Meridia side effects began to make their way into the media.  These Meridia side effects were serious, and similar reports prompted the banning of the sale of Meridia for a time in Italy.  These Meridia side effects included:

  • Primary Pulmonary Hyptertension (PPH)
  • Heart valve damage
  • Heart attacks
  • Cardiac valve dysfunction
  • Death

Of these initially reported Meridia side effects, PPH was the condition that drew the most attention because it was otherwise rare, easy to miss because of its symptoms being similar to other problems and progressive to the point where it was often too late after PPH was diagnosed.  However, additional problems have recently arisen regarding Meridia side effects.

Meridia Side Effects Lawyers – The New Problem

While all of these reports of Meridia side effects were surfacing, the FDA only went as far as issuing a preliminary statement that it wanted to see the results of a large Meridia study that was in progress.  That study is nearing its completion, and the first set of conclusions are becoming available.  What seems to be the most prominent conclusion that’s been released at this point is the troubling tendency for those who have a history of heart problems to face a high risk of a heart attack if they use Meridia.

As a result of this finding, the FDA has announced that all containers of Meridia must now contain a warning that specifically states that patients with any history of heart problems face this higher risk of a heart attack.  This requirement is one of the more serious steps that the FDA can take, and at this point there’s no telling how many people with a history of heart problems have used Meridia without the knowledge that they were facing this possible result.

Meridia Side Effects Lawyers – How to Proceed

If you or someone you love has been harmed as a result of using this medication, you need to contact the Meridia side effects lawyers at the Phillips National Injury Group as soon as possible to schedule a free initial consultation.  The firm has helped those harmed by defective drugs for many years, and you need to protect your legal rights if you’ve suffered from Meridia side effects.  Contact the firm today.

]]> http://www.resource4defectivedrugs.com/news/2010/01/meridia-heart-attack-warning-from-fda/feed/ 0 Reports of Meridia Side Effects Prompt Action by FDA http://www.resource4defectivedrugs.com/news/2009/11/reports-of-meridia-side-effects-prompt-action-by-fda/ http://www.resource4defectivedrugs.com/news/2009/11/reports-of-meridia-side-effects-prompt-action-by-fda/#comments Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:04:12 +0000 Legal Advocate http://www.resource4defectivedrugs.com/news/?p=57 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.

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