Meridia was approved for sale in the United States by the FDA in 1997 and put on the market in 1998. Meridia (sibutramine) is an appetite suppressant to be used along with a reduced-calorie diet to help manage obesity. The drug works on two brain chemicals that control appetite and make patients feel full. It is recommended for people who are obese (about 30 pounds or more over a healthy weight).

Meridia is the brand name of the drug sibutramine, and is manufactured by Abbott Laboratories. It is estimated that eight million people have taken the drug worldwide since it went on the market in 1998. Meridia is an orally administered controlled substance in Schedule IV of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) which means some patients could become addicted. Meridia capsules come in three strengths: 5mg, 10mg, and 15mg.

Clinical study reports from Abbot Laboratories state: "The long term effect of Meridia on the morbidity and mortality associated with obesity have not been established. Weight loss was examined in 11 double-blind, placebo-controlled obesity trials (BMI range across all studies 27-43) with study durations of 12 to 52 weeks and doses ranging from 1 to 30mg once daily. Weight was significantly reduced in a dose-related manner in sibutramine-treated patients compared to placebo over the dose range of 5 to 20mg once daily. In two 12-month studies, maximal weight loss was achieved by 6 months and statistically significant weight loss was maintained over 12 months."

Another study published by Abbot Laboratories states: "94 percent of patients treated with sibutramine and a diet and exercise program for the first six months lost greater than five percent of their body weight and approximately 55 percent lost at least 10 percent of their initial body weight. After six months, patients were divided into two groups: sibutramine with diet and exercise, and diet and exercise alone for an additional 18 months. Nearly 70 percent of patients taking sibutramine maintained a five percent weight loss at two years, compared to 44 percent of patients on diet and exercise alone. A 10-percent loss was maintained by 46 percent of the people receiving sibutramine, while only 21 percent of the patients on diet and exercise alone saw a similar result at two years. "

According to these published reports, an overweight person 5'2" tall weighing 250 pounds could loose 12-25 pounds in 6 months while on Meridia, combined with a diet and exercise program.

Since 1998 to Sept. 2001 there have been 29 deaths reported and 397 serious adverse side effects.

Some people question the risk of death and serious side effects to loose 5-10 percent of their body weight by taking Meridia.

We could find no published reports on the profits Abbot Laboratories receives from the sale of Meridia. The retail price for a 3 month supply of 15mg capsules is between $489 and $599. The FDA estimates that 20,000 prescriptions of Meridia are filled each week in the US and Meridia is sold under several different names in approximately 70 countries.

If you or someone you know has taken Meridia and have experienced dangerous side effects you may be entitled to compensation. Contact us for legal consultation

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