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What is Meridia?

Meridia® (sibutramine HCI monhydrate) is a prescription weight-loss medication manufactured by Abbott Laboratories. It's used with a reduced-calorie diet to help people who need to lose 30 pounds or more lose weight and keep it off.

It's important to know that unlike non-prescription weight-loss products advertised on television and online, Meridia® is a controlled substance regulated by the Federal Controlled Substances Act. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) warns that web sites offering to sell Meridia® directly to consumers "without a prescription" or "without requiring a doctor visit" are violating the Controlled Substances Act. It's illegal for consumers to buy a controlled substance like Meridia® without a valid prescription from a doctor.

What are the Risks of Taking Meridia?

Common side effects associated with taking Meridia® include:

• Dry mouth
• Constipation
• Insomnia
• Headache
• Increased sweating
• Anorexia

More serious side effects include:

• Increased blood pressure possible leading to hypertension
• Increased heart rate

Because Meridia® may substantially increase some patients' blood pressure, regular monitoring of blood pressure is required while taking Meridia®.

In rare cases, Meridia® may cause a condition known as cardiac valve dysfunction or heart valve disease. Another extremely rare condition linked to certain weight-loss drugs, but not specifically to Meridia® as yet, is pulmonary hypertension (PPH). Both conditions are potentially fatal.

Why is Abbott Being Sued?

In early March 2002, the Italian Health Ministry suspended sales of Meridia®. This sparked concern in other nations concerning the drug's safety. Citing 29 Meridia®-related deaths' mostly by heart attacksÃ?????????as evidence of dangerousness, Public Citizen, a consumer advocacy group, petitioned the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to recall Meridia® in the United States. By that time, the FDA had received at least 397 reports of people who suffered an adverse reaction while taking Meridia®. Because reporting to the FDA is voluntary, some estimates put the number of actual adverse reactions at 10 times higher.

The FDA rejected Public Citizen's petition in August 2005, meaning that Meridia® is still available for prescription in the United States.

Meridia® lawsuits claim that Abbott should have known and warned patients of Meridia's® potentially fatal side effects. Litigants seek compensation for their Meridia®-related injuries or for the wrongful deaths of family members who died as a result of taking Meridia®. Recently, however, a U.S. District Court in Ohio dismissed 113 Meridia® lawsuits because there wasn't sufficient scientific evidence to support the litigants' claims.

Who Can File A Meridia Lawsuit?

If you have suffered a Meridia®-related injury, or if you are a close family member of someone who died as a result of a Meridia®-related injury, you may be able to file a Meridia® lawsuit.

How Do I File a Meridia Claim?

If you want to file a lawsuit, you should find a lawyer as soon as possible. Each state has a time limit, called a statute of limitations, restricting how long you have to file your Meridia® claim. The time limit varies from state to state. But if you wait too long, you will be barred from taking legal action.

When choosing a lawyer, you should look for someone who has experience dealing with Meridia® lawsuits. You should find a lawyer with proven experience in the field, someone who has the resources and contacts to deal with your case quickly and efficiently.

An experienced lawyer will be able to advise you about your options, including whether you should file an individual lawsuit or opt for a class action. Your lawyer may be able to advise you about your chances of success and give you an idea of how much compensation you can reasonably hope to recover.

Once you have selected a lawyer, you will need to provide information regarding:

• When and how long you took Meridia®, as well as the dosage
• What type of Meridia®-related injury you suffered, when the injury occurred, and whether you were taking Meridia® at the time

The more information you provide your lawyer, the better chance he or she will have of preparing a solid Meridia® case for you. As your case develops, your lawyer will be able to advise you about accepting an out-of-court settlement, if one is offered, or if you should go to trial.

How Can I Report a Serious Side Effect With Meridia to the FDA?

If you're aware of a serious adverse reaction to Meridia®, the FDA encourages you to make a MedWatch report (click on "How to Report") or call 1-800-FDA-1088

Related Resources on lawyers.com

- Drugs and Medical Devices
- Products Liability
- Class Actions
- Selecting a Lawyer
- Drug and Medical Devices Lawyers
- Class Action or Products Liability message boards for more help

Web Links

- Information from the FDA regarding Merida®, click on and search "Meridia"
- Abbott's informational website about Meridia®
- DEA "Consumer Alert!" concerning buying drugs online