Medsafe will decide on Monday whether or not e prescription-only weight loss drug will stay on sale in New Zealand.

Sibutramine has been withdrawn from sale in Australia which is sold under the brand name of Reductil.

Abbott, the drug company, ceased the distribution of Reductil in Australia on the following Friday after a review by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration.

Sales of the drug was suspended earlier this year by European Union after a study of 10,000 patients found that it caused an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

Research also suggests that the drug could lead to overweight people suffer from a heart attack or stroke. After the review by Australia’s medical watchdog the popular drug has been taken off the shelves.

A spokesman from the company did not reply when he was asked by Newstalk ZB about the future of the drug.

Medsafe also said that it and the Medicines Adverse Reactions Committee will be meeting to get a final recommendation on the balance of benefits and risks of sibutramine treatment.