Weight loss drug to stay on shelves

The weight loss drug Reductil will stay on New Zealand shelves for now, despite being withdrawn from sale in Australia and the United States.

The popular drug has been taken off the market following a review by Australia's medical watchdog. Research suggests it could cause overweight people to suffer a heart attack or stroke.

Pharmaceutical company, Abbott, says it's currently in talks with Medsafe about Reductil. A spokeswoman refused to say, when asked by Newstalk ZB, when a decision on the drug's future will be made.

- NEWSTALK ZB