The appetite suppressant sibutramine (Reductil) has been withdrawn from the market in Australia following similar actions in the US and Europe.
The drug’s manufacturer, Abbott, voluntarily withdrew the medication after discussions with the TGA.
Sibutramine was approved in Australia for weight loss in patients who are either obese or overweight, have no previous history of cardiovascular disease and have been unable to lose weight through diet and exercise.
However, a post-market study of the drug found a 16% increase in the risk of CV events and death in a cohort of patients given sibutramine compared with another given placebo.
Doctors should not issue any more prescriptions for sibutramine and patients can stop taking their medication at any time, Abbott said...
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