The FDA is evaluating the safety of the diet drug,...

The FDA is evaluating the safety of the diet drug, Meridia. (Undated) Credit: Bloomberg News

The government is considering pulling Abbott Laboratories' diet pill Meridia off the market, based on data that it increases heart attack and stroke.

The Food and Drug Administration has posted its safety review of Meridia online, ahead of a meeting in which outside experts will weigh in on the drug's risks.

The FDA will ask its experts to consider a range of actions for restricting Meridia, including pulling the drug from the market.

Meridia has been on the market since 1997, but data released late last year showed patients taking the drug had more than an 11-percent risk of heart attack and stroke compared with 10 percent for those taking a placebo. European regulators pulled the product off the market in January.

Driver charged in fatal hit-and-run ... Blakeman state of the county ... Out East: Antique cash registers Credit: Newsday

More charges in crossing guard death ... Driver charged in fatal hit-and-run ... Person struck and killed by LIRR train ... Gym for women only

Driver charged in fatal hit-and-run ... Blakeman state of the county ... Out East: Antique cash registers Credit: Newsday

More charges in crossing guard death ... Driver charged in fatal hit-and-run ... Person struck and killed by LIRR train ... Gym for women only

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