14 DAY TRIAL // Reductil, a prescription weight loss drug that is administered only to clinically obese patients with no history of heart disease, will be recalled after new studies have shown that it can lead to non-fatal heart attack. Over 330,000 people have been prescribed the drug in 2008 in the UK alone but, in light of new evidence, all those who use it are strongly advised to turn to other weight loss methods to help them drop the pounds, Times Online reports.
Patients with a history of heart disease were not put on Reductil in the first place, because it was known to lead to a slight elevation in blood pressure, the report says. However, a recent study conducted on 11,000 patients comes to show that even those with no such problems were put at risk of a heart attack by taking the drug – this, in a context in which clinically obese patients already have a higher incidence of heart affections, Times says. As such, the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency is urging Reductil patients to seek another means of losing weight.
“Evidence suggests that there is an increased risk of non-fatal heart attacks and strokes with this medicine that outweigh the benefits of weight loss, which is modest and may not be sustained in the long term after stopping treatment. Prescribers are advised not to issue any new prescriptions for Reductil and to review the treatment of patients taking the drug. Pharmacists are asked to cease dispensing the medicine.” June Raine, director of Vigilance and Risk Management of Medicines at the MHRA, says.
“The MHRA has recorded 2,094 suspected adverse reactions to Reductil since it was introduced in 2001, and 17 deaths have been linked to the drug. Six of the deaths were caused by heart problems and strokes. The drug works by blocking the nerve cells that release and reabsorb the hormone serotonin, a chemical neurotransmitter in the brain that affects moods and appetite. As the level of serotonin in the body rises, people feel fuller, eat less and, as a result, lose weight,” Times informs.
Dr. Raine is now saying people on Reductil should stop using it as soon as possible. Those on the treatment can stop it before seeing a doctor without reason for concern; they should, however, consult with a specialist as soon as possible.