Why is Public Citizen requesting the FDA to recall Meridia?
Despite the FDA’s approval, there have been hundreds of serious Meridia side effects reported to the FDA, including 29 deaths. Prior to approval, when asked if the benefits of sibutramine outweighed the risks, the FDA’s Endocrinologic and Metabolic Drugs Advisory Committee voted 5 to 4 against Meridia’s approval. Since 1996, the Health Research Group of Public Citizen has petitioned for the removal of four other drugs previously approved by the FDA. Three of the drugs are now banned, and the fourth is severely restricted. Public Citizen finds Meridia to be both ineffective and unsafe.
