Abbott pulls Meridia off the Canadian market
Abbott Laboratories announced today its plan to pull its weight loss drug Meridia off the market in Canada. (AP New York, 10/15). According to Health Canada, the health department of Canada, says the product is being voluntarily withdrawn from Canadian markets.
The drug has previously been banned in Europe, and the United States via the Food and Drug Administration is considering banning the drug too. The drug has been on the U.S. Markets since 1997.
This action occurs in the aftermath of published reports linking Meridia to side effects like heart attacks and strokes. These grim side effects are more likely to occur after long-term use of the drug.
As a products liability and medical malpractice lawyer in Chicago, I hope the FDA acts swiftly. All Meridia users should discontinue use immediately, at a minimum until further information is available.