Meridia side effects have spawned a number of defective drug lawsuits. Meridia, an oral appetite suppressant prescribed in the treatment of obesity, has been found to increase the risk of developing a heart attack or stroke, especially in patients with a history of cardiovascular disease. Those who have sustained any serious Meridia side effect (or those who have lost a loved one to a fatal Meridia side effect) may be entitled to compensation for their injuries and losses.
Generically known as sibutramine, Meridia is a pill that targets the brain’s appetite control centers and decreases appetite. Meridia should be used in conjunction with a low-calorie diet and an exercise regimen. Meridia is produced and marketed by Abbott Laboratories, and it was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1997.
Serious Meridia Side Effects
Serious Meridia side effects may include:
- Depression and/or thoughts of suicide
- Heart attack (marked by chest pain and breathing difficulties)
- Jaundice (characterized by a yellowing of the whites of the eyes, dark-colored urine, nausea, and vomiting)
- Seizures
- Stroke (marked by paralysis on one side of the body, difficultly walking, sudden/intense headache, and blurry vision).
Those who develop any of the above Meridia side effects should seek emergency medical attention to prevent potentially fatal complications. It is crucial that patients discuss their complete medical history with their physician before starting a course of Meridia to reduce the risk of developing Meridia side effects.
FDA Warnings Regarding Meridia Side Effects
In November 2009, the FDA started reviewing research that suggested Meridia was more likely to cause serious cardiovascular side effects than use of placebo. While this study has yet to be commented on by the FDA, it has increased public awareness regarding whether the risks associated with Meridia outweigh the benefits.
In August 2010, the FDA issued a new contraindication for Meridia, stating that this drug had not been sufficiently assessed in the treatment of patients older than 65 years. This FDA warning triggered Abbott Laboratories to voluntarily take Merida off of the U.S. markets.
Despite the fact that Meridia is no longer available via prescription in the U.S., some who have taken this obesity medication may still be at risk of developing serious Meridia side effects in the future. Injured Meridia patients may be entitled to a settlement from Abbott Laboratories, and they can stand up for their legal rights by initiating a Meridia lawsuit at no cost to them.
If you or a loved one used Meridia and suffered from any side effect including heart attack, heart valve damage, primary pulmonary hypertension, jaundice, seizures, and stroke you should contact our Meridia attorneys immediately for a free and confidential case review. You may be entitled to compensation and we can help.
