FDA panel divided over whether to allow marketing of diet pill linked to heart attacks
By APWednesday, September 15, 2010
FDA panel split on withdrawing diet pill Meridia
WASHINGTON — Federal health advisers are split over whether to withdraw the diet pill Meridia due to evidence that it increases heart attack and stroke risks, worrisome signs that led European regulators to ban the drug earlier this year.
A panel of Food and Drug Administration advisers voted 8-8 on whether to allow continued marketing of the drug. Panelists who said the drug should stay on the market favored new warnings and restricted distribution.
The agency is not required to follow the group’s advice, though it often does.
Meridia has been sold since 1997, but data released in November showed patients with pre-existing heart disease were more likely to suffer traumatic cardiovascular events. European regulators withdrew the drug in January.
