Sale of Obesity Drug Banned in India

The sale of anti-obesity medicine Sibutramine has been banned in India due to rising instances of heart attacks among its users, the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) revealed.

The drug has already been banned in a number of western countries back in October this year including its combination drugs such as R-Sibutramine. The drug's manufacturer, US-based Abbott Laboratories has already stopped manufacturing and marketing of the drug, the DCGI added.

A number of recent studies, including the sibutramine cardiovascular outcomes study (SCOUT), revealed that continuous use of Sibutramine increased the risk of cardiovascular diseases including heart attacks and strokes among its users.

Following the suspension of the drug in other countries, a separate committee was constituted to look into the matter and the DCGI was advised to suspend import and manufacturing of the drug on November 12.


Source: Medindia