Please note: In October and November 2010, the MHRA moved from its Market Towers address to a new location on Buckingham Palace Road. Please go to the contact us section of the website for updated contact details.
The European-wide review of the anti-obesity drug sibutramine (Reductil) has concluded and an opinion reached recommending the suspension of the licence for the medicine across Europe.
Evidence suggests that there is an increased risk of non-fatal heart attacks and strokes with this medicine that outweighs 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. People who are currently taking Reductil are advised to make a routine appointment with their doctor to discuss alternative measures to lose weight. There are no health implications if people wish to stop treatment before seeing their doctor.
The MHRA and European Medicines Agency (EMA) work together to continuously monitor the safety and quality of medicines after they have been licensed. Most medicines work well and are acceptably safe and most people take medicines without suffering any side effects. People can report suspected side effects of medicines to us directly through our Yellow Card Scheme. They can do this online on the Yellow Card Scheme site or telephone 0808 100 3352.
For further information please visit the European Medicines Agency (EMA) website.
