Sibutramine hydrochloride(a popular drug for obesity treatment): New contraindication to use in patients with history of CV disease

     Based on the new findings, FDA recommends the health care professionals to stop the use of sibutramine hydrocloride (a drug used for obesity) in patients who have history of heart disease. Some new reviews reveal that use of sibutramine increases the risk of heart attack and stroke in patients with a history of cardiovascular disease. So FDA has directed the manufacturers to add a new contraindication to the sibutramine drug label stating that sibutramine is not to be used in patients with a history of cardiovascular disease, including:

History of coronary artery disease (e.g., heart attack, angina)
History of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA)
History of heart arrhythmias
History of congestive heart failure
History of peripheral arterial disease
Uncontrolled hypertension (e.g., > 145/90 mmHg)

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FDA Approved Victoza – A miraculous drug for diabetes and obesity

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Victoza (liraglutide), a once-daily injection to treat type 2 diabetes in some adults. Victoza is intended to help lower blood sugar levels along with diet, exercise, and selected other diabetes medicines. It is not recommended as initial therapy in patients who have not achieved adequate diabetes control on diet and exercise alone.

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FDA Approves Expanded Use of Crestor(Rosuvastatin)

Rosuvastatin (Crestor) has been approved for use as primary prevention in patients without elevated LDL cholesterol but with a combination of other risk factors that put them at increased risk for heart disease, the FDA announced on Monday.

The statin is now indicated for men aged 50 or older and women 60 or older who have elevated C-reactive protein levels (2 mg/L or higher) and at least one additional cardiovascular risk factor such as low HDL cholesterol or high blood pressure.

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