It has been announced by Abbott Laboratories that Meridia (Sibutramine) is being removed from the market in the United States. The FDA’s concern over the risk of heart disease associated with this anti-obesity treatment is the reason for the recent decision.
Due to the results of the Sibutramine Cardiovascular OUTcomes Trial (SCOUT), patients taking the treatment experienced a 16% increase in the rate of non-fatal heart attacks and strokes. In addition, they felt that the weight loss achieved was not sufficient to justify risk of the side effects. Abbott still believes that Sibutramine has a positive risk/benefit profile when taken by a patient population that are not contraindicated due to previous health conditions or heart problems.
Abbot has also discontinued the marketing and distribution of Reductil (Sibutramine) in New Zealand. Those who are still taking Sibutramine have been advised to stop and speak with their healthcare provider about a more appropriate treatment for their condition.
It is possible that Sibutramine will be brought back at a later date but Abbott will have to be able to demonstrate that it is safe within the population group for whom it is intended. The fact that Sibutramine has been withdrawn and other weight loss treatments have failed to get a license now means that there are very few options available for weight loss patients.