alex revision
January 23rd, 2010, 09:57 AM
Weight loss drug harmful for heart patients: FDA
Sat, 23 Jan 2010 14:01:51 GMT
http://www.presstv.com/detail.aspx?id=116854§ionid=3510210
FDA officials have recently warned patients with high blood pressure and/or heart problems over the use of a weight loss medication.
Generically known as sibutramine, Meridia was approved by the FDA in 1997 for individuals suffering from weight-related health problems. The drug is believed to help reduce food intake through stimulating the feeling of satiety by increasing the neurotransmitter activity in the brain.
Recent studies, however, revealed that the drug is associated with cardiovascular problems in vulnerable patients.
FDA officials, therefore, added new warning label to the drug, urging patients with a history of heart attack or angina, stroke or transient ischemic attack, any kind of irregular heartbeat, heart failure, and peripheral artery disease along with those suffering from uncontrolled high blood pressure to avoid the weight loss drug.
"Patients currently using sibutramine should talk with their health-care professional to determine if continued use of sibutramine is appropriate and discuss any questions they may have about their treatment," the FDA recommends.
European authorities, on the other hand, banned the use of the drug, saying, "Evidence suggests that there is an increased risk of non-fatal heart attacks and strokes with this medicine that outweighs the benefits of weight loss, which is modest and may not be sustained in the long term after stopping treatment."
Sat, 23 Jan 2010 14:01:51 GMT
http://www.presstv.com/detail.aspx?id=116854§ionid=3510210
FDA officials have recently warned patients with high blood pressure and/or heart problems over the use of a weight loss medication.
Generically known as sibutramine, Meridia was approved by the FDA in 1997 for individuals suffering from weight-related health problems. The drug is believed to help reduce food intake through stimulating the feeling of satiety by increasing the neurotransmitter activity in the brain.
Recent studies, however, revealed that the drug is associated with cardiovascular problems in vulnerable patients.
FDA officials, therefore, added new warning label to the drug, urging patients with a history of heart attack or angina, stroke or transient ischemic attack, any kind of irregular heartbeat, heart failure, and peripheral artery disease along with those suffering from uncontrolled high blood pressure to avoid the weight loss drug.
"Patients currently using sibutramine should talk with their health-care professional to determine if continued use of sibutramine is appropriate and discuss any questions they may have about their treatment," the FDA recommends.
European authorities, on the other hand, banned the use of the drug, saying, "Evidence suggests that there is an increased risk of non-fatal heart attacks and strokes with this medicine that outweighs the benefits of weight loss, which is modest and may not be sustained in the long term after stopping treatment."