Meridia Weight Loss Stories
Meridia is a weight-loss drug sold as Meridia in the United States and Reductil in Europe. Chemically it is sibutramine hydrochloride monohydrate, commonly referred to as sibutramine. Meridia is prescribed to those who are morbidly obese or those having a BMI of 27 or above. Meridia is an oral medication that can be taken with or without food generally in the morning hours. Meridia works to reduce serotoninin in the brain and reduce the feeling of hunger.
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Teens Lose Weight With Meridia
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As reported by CBS News, a study done by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia showed that obese 12 to 16 year olds an average loss of 15 pounds in a year while on Meridia. Also their waist lines shrunk by an average of 3 inches. The study raised the question of whether obesity treatment should include drug therapy along more traditional diet and exercise treatments.
Weight Loss Drug Safety Questioned
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ABC News reported that 29 deaths and 397 adverse health effects, such as arrhythmia and high blood pressure have been caused by Meridia. A Public Citizen petition to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has demanded the removal of Meridia from the market due to these and other adverse health effects.
On March 19, 2009 Dr. Sidney Wolfe, director of Public Citizen in Washington says: "The drug should have never been put on the market --- the advisory committee and the physician in charge of the drug both recommended against approval. This is a mistake that is being corrected. The drug is just not going to survive much longer."
As of October 2009, Meridia remains on the market and approved by the FDA.
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Is Meridia Safe?
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Due to number of adverse health events that include death and a contribution to coronary problems, such as hypertension, a number of countries have banned Meridia. It should be noted that the FDA has approved Meridia for use and prescription since 1997. The main ingredient, subutramine has been clinically tested in more than 100 trials involving more than 12,000 patients. Meridia is one of only a few drugs approved by the FDA for treatment of obesity. However before approval, an FDA advisory committee voted 5 to 4 that the benefits did not out weigh the risks.
Meridia has been linked to 29 deaths (19 of which involved the heart). However, it remains unclear if the individuals died of a result of obesity-related diseases or as a result of the drug.
Listed Product Warnings and Side Effects
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As per the product warnings on Meridia you should inform your doctor if you are taking MAO inhibitors (powerful antidepressant drugs), asthma, allergy or cough medications. Meridia often has typical sibutramine side effects that include, dry mouth, dizziness, stuffy or runny nose and difficulty sleeping.
People Who Should Not Take Meridia
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People with a history of coronary heart disease, arrhythmia, congestive heart failure or stroke should not take Meridia. Meridia can raise blood pressure. Regular blood pressure monitoring is necessary during use of Meridia. Meridia should be prescribed with caution to anyone with a history of hypertension or uncontrollable hypertension.
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- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Mike Baird
