By Dr. Rafik Elmehdawi, Benghazi, Libya.
Just few weeks after the food and drug administration (FDA) significantly restricted the use of the diabetes drug Rosiglitazone (AvandiaŽ; GlaxoSmithKline) the agency has announced the withdrawal of another metabolic drug Sibutramine (MeridiaŽ [USA], ReductilŽ [other countries]; Abbott) and almost for the same reason; cardiovascular risk.
Until October 8, Sibutramine along with Orlistat (XenicalŽ; Hoffman-La Roche) were the only two drugs licensed in the USA for the long-term treatment of obesity. However Sibutramine is to be withdrawn after the FDA announcement on October 8, 2010.