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Prior to approval for Meridia, the FDA found the average weight
loss in obese people using Meridia for one year beyond the placebo
group to be only 6.5lbs. Despite these minimal weight loss effects,
the agency still approved the drug which its’ own advisory
committee voted against due to the risks of suffering Meridia
side effects. The high number of dieting Americans did not seem
concerned with potential Meridia side effects even though Meridia’s
arrival to the market came shortly after the deadly and costly
fen phen situation.
The deadly fen phen side effects were mainly due to cardiovascular
problems and Meridia manufacturer Abbott Laboratories preemptively
marketed Meridia as to distinguish the new weight loss pill, claiming
Meridia side effects were not one in the same. According to FDA
reports, from February 1998 to September 2001, a high number of
very serious Meridia side effects were reported, including a high
number of cardiovascular events. Meridia side effects were serious
enough to hospitalize 152 people, result in 29 deaths, and 143
arrhythmia reports. Meridia was intended for aiding people lose
30 lbs or more, however the minimal effects seemed to be greatly
overshadowed by the serious Meridia side effects.
A consumer advocacy group has petitioned the FDA for the immediate
ban of Meridia due to deadly Meridia side effects, in addition
to asking criminal charges be brought against Abbott. The group’s
request was in response to records showing Abbott failed to report
both deadly and serious Meridia side effects to regulators, despite
being required by law. Abbott did not report one Meridia side
effect death and had inaccurate, unsupported, or incomplete records
regarding seven other Meridia side effect deaths according to
the group.
For more information on Meridia side effects contact
us.
Typical Meridia side effects include the following:
- headache
- insomnia
- dry mouth
- anorexia
- constipation
Also reported as side effects from the Meridia diet drug include:
- stroke
- seizures
- increased blood pressure
- increased heart rate
- heart disease
- mental impairments
- increased perspiration
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