Meridia (sibutramine hydrochloride monohydrate) is an orally administered agent for the treatment of obesity.
In October 1999, The Food and Drug Administration began an investigation into the efficacy and safety of Meridia in anticipation of the release of generic clone drugs. A study is ongoing into reports of sudden death, heart failure, renal failure and gastrointenstinal problems that have been widely publicized in the press.
The results of the study are due in late 2005.