Reports of heart problems from taking the weight loss drug, sibutramine – marketed in the U.S. as Meridia – led Europe to ban the drug and the Food and Drug Administration to add new warnings to it. The FDA says new data show it can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes in people with a history of heart problems.
The FDA says you should not take Meridia if you have uncontrolled blood pressure or a history of any of the following:
- Heart attack or angina (coronary artery disease)
- Stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA, sometimes called a “mini-stroke”)
- Irregular heartbeat
- Heart failure
- Peripheral artery disease
The FDA urges patients to talk to their doctor about whether they should keep taking the drug. You can find more information about the warning here.
[Photo Credit: drugs.com]
*shudder*
Say “no” to diet pills!
Sagan – I’m with you on that one. It seems the dangers are always discovered after they are out on the market.