A report, published by the New England Journal of Medicine, studied nearly 10,000 overweight or obese patients, and found that those who used Meridia had a 16% greater risk of having a heart attack or stroke over an average 3.4 years than patients taking a placebo. Although no fatal events were reported, the finding was especially worrisome since the trial included only patients with a previous history of heart disease or diabetes, or both, which put them at high risk of a second event. Being overweight, they were also already at a higher risk of heart-related health problems.

On September 15, 2010, an advisory committee of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will meet to determine the fate of Meridia. The FDA advisory committee will be asked to recommend whether the drug should be subject to new regulatory action.

Read the article from Time Magazine regarding the dangers posed by Meridia.
Read the article from NPR regarding Meridia being pulled from the market.

Our firm prides itself in going beyond the recovery of money to achieve meaningful change that makes a difference not only to our clients but to our society as a whole. We seek to improve the warnings on products such as these so that future consumers are aware of associated risks and can make informed decisions. If you or someone you know has taken Meridia and have had a heart attack or a stroke, please contact our office.

To discuss a potential case, please call us at 1(800) 922-4851 or contact Jack Drake, or Ashley Cranford.