Most people
have heard of the “miracle” weight drug Fen Phen. The
term Fen Phen is an abbreviation for the combination of two drugs.
Fen or Fenfluramine is more commonly known as Pondimin. Phen or
phentermine is more commonly known by its brand name Ionamin. Both
drugs act to alter the serotonin levels in the brain.
Unfortunately,
growing evidence suggests that fenfluramine taken alone or in combination
with phentermine may be responsible for primary pulmonary hypertension
(PPH), heart valve problems, and neurotoxicity of the brain. If
you or a family member have experienced these problems, please contact
an St. Louis area FenPhen lawyer for assistance.
In 1997,
the FDA, in conjunction with the release of a manuscript of a Mayo
Clinic study, issued a warning relating to evidence of heart valve
problems associated with the usage of Redux and Pondimin. In August,
1997 the study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
The FDA warning, followed by the reporting of the study in the New
England Journal of Medicine, led to the September, 1997 withdrawal
of Pondimin and Redux
from the market place.
Primary
Pulmonary Hypertension is a rare and often fatal condition. The
incidence of PPH is estimated at 1 to 2 per million in the general
population, however the use of the diet drug Fen-Phen has created
a dramatic increase in the risk of developing PPH.
American
Home Products Corporation, the manufacturer of Fen-Phen, failed
to warn doctors of the increased risk of PPH from the use of its
diet pills. As a result, doctors throughout the United States prescribed
Fen-Phen or Redux to their patients believing the drugs to be safe.
Depending on the specific facts of your case, you may have a legal
claim for the costs of treatment and for your pain and suffering.
