Meridia Recall Issued Due to Stroke, Heart Attack Risk

Meridia

Abbott Laboratories issued a Meridia recall after the FDA asked the company to stop marketing the prescription weight loss drug. The decision to recall Meridia was made after a study indicated an increased risk of stroke and heart attack in users. FDA officials stated that the drug’s little weight loss benefits, along with the serious side effects of Meridia, justified the market withdrawal. 

If you or a loved one has suffered a stroke or heart attack while using Meridia, fill out our free, no obligation case evaluation form. You may be able to pursue a Meridia lawsuit to recover financial compensation. 

A research study, known as SCOUT (Sibutramine Cardiovascular Outcome Trial), found a 16% increase in the risk of heart attack, stroke, resuscitated cardiac arrest or death in patients taking Meridia. The study also showed a small difference in the weight loss of patients taking Meridia and those receiving the placebo. Meridia was originally approved in 1997 as a weight loss and weight maintenance drug in obese people and overweight individuals with risk factors for heart disease. It gained approval based on research which indicated that more patients taking the drug lost at least 5% of their body weight than those in the placebo group who were put on a diet and exercise regimen. The post marketing study, which was performed on obese people aged 55 and older with a history of heart disease and type 2 diabetes, intended to show that Meridia use lessened a patient’s chances of developing heart problems. Rather, the results indicated that patients taking Meridia actually had an increased risk of developing cardiovascular Meridia side effects.

Due to the Meridia recall, users who suffered a heart attack or stroke may be able to pursue a Meridia lawsuit against Abbott Laboratories. Meridia users who suffered cardiovascular side effects of the drug may be entitled to collect financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages and other damages. To find out if you can file a lawsuit, contact our Meridia lawyers using the free case evaluation form. At no cost to you, our attorneys will determine if you are eligible for a Meridia lawsuit.