Family Members Claim Meridia Manufacturer is Responsible for Man's Death

CHICAGO - The family members of a man whose death was allegedly caused by his ingestion of Meridia claim that the manufacturer of the weight loss drug is liable for damages. Diane Killinger, et al., v. Abbott Laboratories, Inc., et al., 02-C-9441 (N.D. Ill.).

Despite the conclusions of pre-clinical testing, which found that the drug could cause increased arterial blood pressure, the company failed to warn consumers that the drug could potentially cause adverse events such as heart attacks, strokes and cardiac arrhythmias, plaintiff Diane Killinger's complaint states. On Dec. 30, 2002, Abbott removed the case to the U.S. District …