Eu Agency Urges Ban on a Weight Loss Pill Linked to Increased Heart Attacks and Strokes
Eu Agency Urges Ban On A Weight Loss Pill Linked To Increased Heart Attacks And Strokes
On 22 January 2010, The European Medicines Agency (EMEA) urges ban on a weight loss pill containing sibutramine, which are sold under the names Reductil, Reduxade and Zelium in Europe and Meridia in the United States over fears that it could increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
“The risks of these medicines are greater than their benefits,” they said.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration said that the drug increased the chances of a heart attack or stroke for people with cardiovascular disease.
A trial involving 10,000 patients had revealed that Reductil could lead to heart problems. It has the potential to increase blood pressure and heart rate. As a result, patients with high blood pressure, heart disease and kidney disease are more prone to suffer the side effects after taking the pill. The situation is even more worrying as the weight-loss pill is only available to those who are obese and these people are more likely to have heart problems. People under the age of 16 are also advised not to take Reductil.
Statistically, ever since Reductil was introduced in 2001, there have been 2,094 suspected adverse reactions and 17 deaths linked to the pill. Six of the deaths were caused by heart problems and stroke.
Actually, Reductil is a neurotransmitter inhibitor that enables the users to lose weight by feeling full even eaten a small portion. Thus it reduces appetite and cravings hence leading to weight loss. But its efficacy is also dependent on being supported by a healthy diet and regular exercise, which in fact are essential for losing weight effectively.
Reductil belongs to the family of amphetamines. Apart from the active ingredient Sibutramine, Reductil consists of Colloidal anhydrous silica, Dimethicone, Gelatin, Indigo carmine (E132), Iron oxides and hydroxides (E172), Lactose monohydrate, Lecithin (E322), Magnesium stearate, Microcrystalline cellulose, Propylene glycol, Quinoline yellow (E104), Shellac glaze, Sibutramine hydrochloride, Sodium lauryl sulphate and Titanium dioxide (E171).
Reductil comes in three does of 5mg, 10mg and 15 mg. it is intended to be taken once each day and for one year only. Although its effect varies among different individuals, traditionally, users can achieve a steady weight loss of 1-2lbs a week, when they follow a healthy and nutritious diet alongside with doing regular exercise.