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Meridia®

When fen phen was recalled in 1997, dieters anxiously awaited the new diet pill despite the high number of deaths and serious, life-threatening side effects it caused, and Meridia's 1998 approval was just that. To date, there has failed to exist a diet pill that has been considered safe and effective, but Meridia was still successful with nearly two million prescriptions written for the diet pill in just one year alone. Meridia was approved one year after the FDAs own advisory committed voted against the approval of Meridia 5-4 because of the risks associated to the diet pill.

Immediately, marketing strategies emerged that focused on differentiating Meridia from fen phen. Despite claims of a safer diet pill, reports of serious and deadly Meridia side effects were made, leading the Public Citizen watchdog group to file a petition to the FDA requesting Meridia be removed from the market in March 2002. There have been at least 29 Meridia related deaths as well as cardiovascular problems. From February 1998 to September 2001 alone, there were nearly 400 serious Meridia adverse reactions reported.

The reports of Meridia side effects did not seem to influence the popularity of the drug with around 8.5 million people worldwide using Meridia. Some critics feel drug companies have taken advantage of one of the most eager and large consumer groups when promoting diet pills with deadly side effects like Meridia. The FDA demanded Meridia manufacturer Abbott Laboratories make changes in advertising and promotional materials because they suggested Meridia was more effective than evidence shows.

For more information on Meridia and Meridia side effects, please contact us to learn your legal rights and options.