new concerns about the safety of Meridia (sibutramine)

April 2002

There are new concerns about the safety of Meridia (sibutramine).

Italy is suspending sales of the weight-loss drug...Health Canada is conducting a review of its safety.

All this stems from reports of serious cardiovascular effects...heart attacks, strokes, arrhythmias, and some deaths.

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Table of Contents

allow pharmacists to provide emergency contraceptive pills
Diabetes Starlix (nateglinide), a new oral tablet for type 2 diabetes
Diabetes metformin can lower vitamin B12 levels
Diabetes confused about the "sugar-free" candies marketed to patients with diabetes
Men's Health Xatral (ZAY-trall, alfuzosin), a new once-daily drug for benign prostatic hyperplasia
Women's Health new vaginal estrogen tablet called Vagifem
Women's Health latest thinking on treating osteoporosis in postmenopausal women
Infectious Diseases Lymerix is off the market
Cardiology New Canadian hypertension guidelines
Cardiology More patients will be taking Plavix (clopidogrel)
Multiple Sclerosis the different interferons for MS
Obesity & Weight Loss new concerns about the safety of Meridia (sibutramine)
Obesity & Weight Loss natural weight loss products
"nocebo effect"
Alzheimer's Disease link between homocysteine levels and dementia