Defective Drug

Meridia Recall – Defective Drug Lawsuits

Harmful Side Effects of Meridia and Compensation

Meridia Injuries Resulting in Heart Attack, Primary Pulmonary Hypertension, and Fatality

While Meridia showed early potential after hitting the market, reports of Meridia side effects eventually began to make their way into the media. Below is an overview of the issue, including information regarding how Meridia works, the Meridia side effects that have been reported, the general reaction by governmental and administrative bodies to these reports of side effects and finally how you should proceed if you or someone you love has suffered from Meridia side effects while you were attempting to fight obesity.

How Meridia Works – Abbott Laboratories

Meridia was originally approved for distribution in the United States by the FDA in 1997. It’s manufactured by Abbott Laboratories, one of the leading companies in the pharmaceutical industry. Meridia was marketed as a drug that would help those who are obese (specifically, those with a BMI over 30) and those who are overweight (those with a BMI over 27) and who were also fighting another medical problem such as diabetes lose weight.

Meridia works by basically altering the chemicals in the brain that are activated while and immediately after someone eats. These chemicals, including serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine move through the brain see their activity levels increase. When this occurs, a person no longer receives a cell-level ‘message’ that he or she is still hungry. Instead, that person feels a sensation of satiety and as a result will eat less, all of which is supposed to lead to weight loss.

The studies that were completed in furtherance of Meridia’s original application for approval showed that those who took Meridia experienced 10 more pounds of weight loss on average during the first year than those who took a placebo. However, the overall effectiveness of Meridia in terms of weight loss has since been challenged by several different authorities.

Meridia Side Effects – Heart Attacks, Cardiac Valve Dysfunction, Valve Damage

Eventually, reports of serious and dangerous Meridia side effects began to surface with those who had used the drug. These Meridia side effects reports included:

• Heart attacks
• Cardiac valve dysfunction
• Heart valve damage and failure
• Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH)
• Death

These Meridia side effects were eventually seen as prevalent enough that the public began to see and hear stories in regards to them. In all, it’s estimated that at least 29 people in the United States died either during or after using Meridia, and several hundred more were injured by one of the other Meridia side effects listed above.

Meridia Side Effects – Health, Legal Action, Lawsuits

The reaction to reports of Meridia side effects was widespread. In Italy, public health officials banned the sale and distribution of Meridia in that country after reports surfaced that two people who were using the medication had died of sudden heart attacks. The fallout in the United States has been unfortunately similar.

It began with a study that looked closely at 10,000 people who were given Meridia for a period of years. One group in the study was given the active medication while the other was given a placebo. The preliminary results indicated that those who were using Meridia were more likely to suffer from what was generally termed ‘negative cardiovascular events’ that include those Meridia side effects previously mentioned.

In response to this study, the FDA announced by way of an Early Meridia Communication that it would be taking a closer look at the drug in order to determine whether or not the dangers associated with Meridia side effects outweighed the benefits of continuing to offer it via the prescription market. The FDA also explicitly stated that its review would be expedited given the potential risks involved.

Meridia Side Effects Lawyers and Meridia Lawsuit Information

Perhaps the most troubling aspect of this burgeoning issue is that it’s estimated that as many as 8 million people around the world have or are currently using Meridia. If you or someone you love has suffered from Meridia side effects, you need to take action to protect your legal rights. Contact the Meridia side effects lawyers at the law firm of Phillips Law Firm today to schedule a free initial consultation. You need sound answers and advice in regards to how you move forward, and the defective drugs lawyers at the firm will be able to provide them for you. Contact the firm today.