Meridia

In November 1997, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Meridia as a weight loss drug, marketed in Europe under the brand name of Reductil. This drug is used for the treatment of obesity, used along with a reduced-calorie diet. Meridia consist of capsules C-IV containing sibutramine HCl monohydrate, a commonly prescribed appetite suppressant.

Class action lawsuits began to rise when individuals using this drug began to experience unexpected side effects from Meridia pills. Originally manufactured by Knoll Pharmaceutical Company, the trademark is actually licensed to Abbott Laboratories in the United States. Serious concerns regarding possible lawsuits appeared as soon as Meridia was introduced in the American market.

In 1996, Knoll Pharmaceutical Company reported sales of $6.3 million, situated as one of the top ten producers of chemicals in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The introduction of Meridia consolidated its position in sales, but litigations problems affected the company soon as the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) put the product in pending status.

According to Knoll, "Most side effects associated with Meridia are mild and transient in nature, including dry mouth, headache, constipation and insomnia. In some patients, Meridia substantially increases blood pressure." statement that was accurate not in some, but thousands of patients across the country.

Knoll tried to demonstrate the efficacy of the drug through clinical trials of 6,000 individuals, in which Meridia produced significant weight loss compared with placebo. However, they never revealed the many cases of side effects that were serious and deadly. Today, Abbot pharmaceutical remarks that Meridia is not for everyone and should be used with extreme caution.

Individuals with bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa, or those who are taking other weight loss medications that control appetite, must avoid Meridia, recommended only for people needing to lose 30 pounds or above on height, and always in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet. Knoll only recommended that pills should be taken once a day without regard to meals.

One of the consumer advocacy groups who has filed a class action lawsuit, believes that Meridia's side effects are more risky than the poor benefits of this medication. Many consumer groups have petitioned the FDA for the immediate removal of Meridia, however the approach that Abbott is giving to this drug prevents any action to pull the weight-loss pill off the market.

Between 1998 and 2001, there were about 400 serious Meridia adverse reactions reported. Later, the FDA asked Abbott Laboratories to make changes to promotional and advertising material to adjust the suggested results with the real facts of using this drug. Changes were made, and further information was added to its website and printed literature.

Meridia is in fact, one of the most popular weight loss medication even today. Class action lawsuits and continuous reports of side effects, does not seem to affect nearly 8.5 million of consumers worldwide, but awareness of potential risks begin to come into consideration.

As a controlled substance, Meridian can be targeted for people who abuse prescription medicines, causing headache, dry mouth, constipation, and insomnia.