Meridia Side Effects Lawsuits

Overweight and obese patients took this diet drug because they sought to prevent heart attack and stroke through weight loss. Ironically, Meridia increased the risk of these cardiovascular side effects by 16%. Because Abbott Laboratories, the maker of Meridia, knew of these risks and did not warn the public. Many people, who suffered a heart attack or stroke, or their families in cases where the user died, consider filing a Meridia side effects lawsuit.

What is Meridia?

Meridia (sibutramine) is a prescription appetite suppressant approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1997 for weight loss and maintenance of weight loss. Physicians have written 9.6 million prescriptions for this dangerous diet drug since 1998 and the FDA estimates that 100,000 people in the U.S. are currently taking drug.

Meridia Side Effects

The FDA approved Meridia in 1997 against the advice of the FDA Advisory Committee and the FDA’s own medical officer who recommended rejection of the drug because it significantly increases blood pressure and heart rate, risk factors for heart attack and stroke, and minor benefits did not outweigh the risks. In 2002, a consumer advocacy group petitioned the FDA to remove the drug from the market because of these Meridia side effects. However, the FDA refused.

In October 2010, the FDA requested that Abbott Laboratories pull Meridia from the market, and the drug maker complied, after results of a study confirmed people taking the drug experienced more heart attacks and strokes.

Do I have a Meridia Side Effects Lawsuit?

Only an experienced lawyer can determine if you have a valid Meridia side effects lawsuit. The amount of your potential award depends on the merits of your particular case. As your Meridia lawyer, we will fight to recover the highest compensation amount possible for your heart attack, stroke or other Meridia side effects. The law firm of Napoli Bern Ripka LLP represents people nationwide what have suffered injury from this drug. Fill out our contact form today for a free legal consultation with our lawyers to learn your legal rights.