Meridia is a medication approved by the FDA in November of 1997 to treat obesity by allowing consumers to burn excess fat and is in the same class of drugs as Fen Phen and methamphetamines.  The drug has been in legal troubles since March of 2002, when evidence began to emerge about serious and potentially fatal side effects linked to its use.  Because the drug is a controlled substance, it cannot legally be taken without a prescription.

There have been at least 29 deaths linked to Meridia, including ones relating to heart attacks, cardiac arrests, and other serious cardiovascular conditions.  There were also nearly 400 reports of complications that were serious but that did not result in the death of the victim.

In rare cases, Meridia has even been implicated in cardiac valve disease or dysfunction.  A number of weight loss drugs that are similar to Meridia have been known to increase the probability of pulmonary hypertension, and although there isn’t yet hard evidence yet to connect the drug specifically to this condition, more studies are needed.

If you or a loved one has been adversely affected by complications arising from Meridia usage, you deserve legal guidance.  You have to act quickly before restrictive statutes of limitations keep you from getting the financial compensation that you deserve for your unjust struggle.  Don’t wait – contact an experienced and compassionate Meridia attorney today.