Abbott Laboratories has decided to remove diet drug Meridia from pharmacies across United States as FDA has questioned the effectiveness of the drug. The drug was related to higher stroke and heart attack risk in a study published in New England Journal of Medicine last month.

In January this year, Meridia was suspended in Europe. Abbott still believes that the drug helps in reducing obesity, however the company has stated that it will comply with regulations in United States and has decided to pull the drug off shelves. Abbott spokeswoman has also stated that the drug has been found useful, with no reported side effects after 6 million patient-year use in forty six different clinical trials.

Food and Drug Administration regulators stated that Abbott's diet drug Meridia has been found to be associated with higher risk of heart attack or stroke. The diet pill offers very little help in weight loss compared to the risk involved.

FDA has said that the main ingredient in the medicine, sibutramine, is an effective stimulant which can cause high blood pressure and even heart attack in some patients, after continuous use. FDA has also warned consumers to not use slimming capsules termed as 100 percent herbal.

Most of the Diet drugs have faced troubles in the past as there have many studies which prove side effects of diet drugs. And, there is enormous interest from people wishing to lose extra weight easier way. Lots of drugs have been promoted heavily online as well.

The company has not faced any lawsuit against any side effects of the drug so far in United States.