Europe Banned an Anti-obesity Drug

Just recently, the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) has recommended that the most commonly prescribed anti-obesity drug, Reductil, should be banned across Europe.

The reason why the appetite suppressant sibutramine, which was marketed as Reductil, was banned in the whole Europe because it was blamed for increasing patients’ risk for having a heart attack or a stroke.

This appetite suppressant was commonly prescribed to obese patients in order to help in weight loss. However, because of the latest findings that it may further increase a patient’s risk for heart attacks and stroke, the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) has ordered physicians to stop prescribing the medication. Pharmacies are also ordered to stop dispensing the drug.

The decision of banning Reductil in UK was because of the findings of a study conducted among 9,800 obese patients using Reductil. The results showed that the risk for developing heart conditions and stroke greatly outweigh the weight loss benefits that the drug can provide.

On the other hand, those who were newly prescribed with the drug before the ban was announced should not worry much, but rather,they should immediately consult to their physician and ask for other alternatives to achieve weight loss.

Related Posts:

NEWS: Weight Loss Drug Linked to Liver Problems

Obesity: Proven to cause Heart Enlargement

Obesity and Muscle Atrophy

Cardiovascular Function May Be Improved with Moderate Weight Loss among Obese People

Obese People do not Perceive Themselves as Obese