HSA suspends sale of weight-loss drugs

SINGAPORE - The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) is suspending the sale of sibutramine products in Singapore with immediate effect.

The decision came after a benefit and risk assessment of sibutramine concluded that the increased cardiovascular risk of the product outweighed the modest weight loss seen in patients.

It is marketed under four brands in Singapore - Reductil, Ectiva and Reduxade by Abbott and Slenfig by Apotheca Marketing.

The HSA is also advising patients who have been prescribed sibutramine, or who experience side effects such as increased heart rate, irregular heartbeat or other discomforts after taking sibutramine, to consult their doctors.

Sibutramine has recently been withdrawn from sale in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and by the European Medicines Agency. LINK