FDA Adds Cardio Warnings to Weight-Loss Drug

Being fat causes cardio problems. Taking the diet drug causes cardio problems. Wise up, fatsos.

The FDA said the weight-loss drug sibutramine (Meridia) should not be taken by patients with history of cardiovascular disease following a review of additional data showing an increased risk of heart attack and stroke among that population.

The agency said the manufacturer, Abbott, has agreed to add the contraindication to its labeling, which will be expanded to include patients with a history of the following:

Coronary artery disease (i.e., heart attack, angina)
Stroke or transient ischemic attack
Heart arrhythmia
Congestive heart failure
Peripheral arterial disease
Uncontrolled hypertension (>145/90 mmHg)

The initial review of sibutramine began in November 2009 when the FDA received preliminary data from the SCOUT study suggesting patients using the drug had a higher risk for cardiovascular events. (See Early Data Link Diet Drug to MI, Stroke, and Cardiac Death)

Just lose the weight without the IMHO malpractice of diet drugs.