Meridia increases heart attacks, strokes and cardiac arrest in older people says FDA

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Wednesday, November 25, 2009 11:30 am Email this article
The diet drug Meridia (sibutramine) increases the risk of heart attack, stroke and cardiac arrest in older people with a history of heart disease or Type 2 diabetes according to information released from the US Food and Drug Administration on November 20th, 2009.

In a study of 10,000 patients over the last 7 years (since 2002), more people given Meridia had a heart attack, stroke or cardiac arrest than those given a placebo.

Cardiovascular events occurred in 11.4% of patients given Meridia versus 10% of those given a placebo.

“This difference is higher than expected, suggesting that sibutramine is associated with an increased cardiovascular risk in the study population.” the FDA noted.

“Patients included in the study were 55 years of age or older, overweight or obese, and had a history of heart disease or type 2 diabetes plus
one additional cardiovascular risk factor.”

“The preliminary study findings highlight the importance of avoiding the use of sibutramine in patients with a history of coronary artery disease (heart disease), congestive heart failure (CHF), arrhythmias, or stroke…”

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