Weight-Loss Drug Under Watch

The popular weight-loss oral prescription medication, sibutramine hydrochloride monohydrate, known in the US as MERIDIA®, is being closely monitored by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) after a number of reported deaths and side effects.

MERIDIA was approved by the FDA in 1997 for the management of obesity. MERIDIA helps reduce a person's food intake by suppressing the appetite, and also works in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet to maintain weight loss. MERIDIA is indicated for people with body mass indexes of 30 or more.

Common side effects associated with MERIDIA include:

• dry mouth
• headache
• constipation
• insomnia

However, MERIDIA may also cause a slight to significant increase in blood pressure in some patients. Therefore, patients with uncontrolled high blood pressure should not take MERIDIA.

Always consult your physician for more information.

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