The Chairman of the National Obesity Forum has issued a strong criticism of the recent decision of the European Medicines Agency to suspend Reductil (sibutramine) in the European Union. Dr David Haslam described the recent decision as “preposterous, totally naive and unscientific.” This view accords with many others in the medical community who are astounded by the decision to ban Sibutramine based on the effects that it has on patients who are not supposed to be prescribed the drug in the first place!
With Reductil now suspended, the only alternative weight loss product offered for prescription in the whole EU is Orlistat in the form of Xenical. Orlistat is also available over the counter in pharmacies at a lower dose under the brand name Alli. Alli saw massive sales when the medication was launched in the US and the EU but disappointing results from the treatment have led to low levels of repeat orders. Xenical appears to be fairing slightly better as the dosage is higher but many people find the weight loss to be too slow for them. What must be remembered is that a slow and steady loss of weight is the best way to proceed as this is more likely to be sustained once the medication is discontinued so long as the patients maintain a healthy diet and regular exercise.
The decision of the European Medicines Agency is continuing to look even more bizarre as equivalent licensing authorities around the world react to the recent clinical trials in a much more cautious way by enhancing the warning labels. The Malaysian Health Authority was the latest licensing agency to say that they thought that the EU decision went too far without further scientific data.