Rumor Mill News and Discussions

The FDA still stands behind its’ claim that Abbott’s weight loss drug Meridia is safe and effective, but some sources are speculating that the agency is about to issue some revised guidelines or warnings on the drug.

Some tests have shown that Meridia can cause increased heart rate and raise a patient’s blood pressure. The warning could come in the form of restricted prescription uses or a stronger warning label.

Many people believe that the move could be due to increased scrutiny of the FDA about safety monitoring of drugs once they are on the market. The FDA has been under fire recently due to the safely issues surrounding COX-2 drugs. The FDA is likely looking to show consumes that they are in fact actively monitoring safety issues with marketed drugs.

The widely talked about medical malpractice bill thought to be introduced into Congress during President Bush’s second term has many media outlets buzzing about a possible cap for pharmaceutical companies liability due to negative side effects of their drugs. The speculation is that drug companies would be safe from punitive damage lawsuits for drugs that have been approved for sale by the FDA.