The obesity epidemic in this country is growing everyday, as more and more people become increasingly overweight. Even children today are growing more obese than the previous generation, which is often blamed on decreased physical activity and the prevalence of fast food and soft drinks. As a result of so many people being overweight or obese, the diet and weight loss industry in this country is booming. You cannot watch television or flip through a magazine without seeing an advertisement for the latest diet pill or fad diet.

One of the diet pills that has been extremely popular in the last few years is Sibutramine, which is commonly known by its brand name Meridia. Thanks to a widespread television advertising campaign, Meridia sales have been high since it was initially approved for use in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration. Many people have claimed that the drug goes to great lengths to help tackle obesity when traditional methods of weight loss, like diet and exercise, do not work.

Despite the drug’s popularity, there are a number of side effects associated with Meridia, some minor and some very serious. The less serious side effects include dry mouth, upset stomach, dizziness, trouble sleeping, headache, and muscle pain. The more serious and potentially deadly side effects include cardiac arrhythmia, mental changes (such as depression and thoughts of suicide), seizures, problems urinating, abnormal bruising, jaundice, chest pain, and abnormal vision. In addition, there have been serious reports of renal failure, heart failure, and even death as a result of taking Meridia.

Attempts were made in 2005 to remove the drug from the market due to its potentially deadly side effects, but the drug still remains on the market today. If you are currently taking Meridia, make sure that you are closely monitored by your physician. If you experience any strange side effects, speak with your doctor. However, if you experience severe side effects, like chest pain, seizures, or abnormal vision, go to a hospital at once.

If you have taken Meridia and it caused serious medical problems, you should consider speaking with an attorney. You trusted that the manufacturers of Meridia would give you a safe drug to help you with your obesity problem, not a drug that would cause even more severe health problems. No matter whether you experienced a heart attack, renal failure, vision problems, or any other of a number of dangerous side effects, you owe it to yourself to call an attorney and talk about a potential lawsuit against the drug manufacturer. Additionally, if a loved one died from taking Meridia, you should contact an attorney, and ask them about whether you should file a wrongful death lawsuit.

When you contact the attorney, they will ask you a series of questions about your medical history, the illness that you developed, and your medical bills and other financial damages as a result of taking Meridia. Make sure that you have all of your records on hand when you speak with your attorney. It is only when you are open and honest with them about your situation that they will be able to properly evaluate your claim.

Other people have successfully sued the drug manufacturer regarding side effects of Meridia. However, every case is different, so it is crucial that you speak with an attorney who knows about lawsuits like this and can give you a fair idea of what your chances of a successful trial or a settlement will be. You may be fortunate enough to have such a compelling case that the drug manufacturer may not even bother going to trial and will instead offer you a settlement. If that happens, you should talk over with your attorney and your family whether it is in your best interest to take the settlement. You won’t know what kind of financial recovery you can get until you contact an attorney, so do it today.