Meridia drug is finally ordered off the market.

After a very long debate - and many entries in this blog about the subject - Federal regulators have finally decided that the weight-loss drug Meridia is too dangerous to stay on the market due to the risk of heart attack and stroke. The drug was withdrawn in Europe eight months ago, but less than a month ago an FDA panel issued a split vote (8-to-8) on whether to recall it. Two days ago, however, the FDA announced that Abbott Laboratories has agreed to pull the drug from the market at the FDA's request. Go here for the official FDA announcement. Go here for the full story.