|
 What
is fen-phen?
Fen-phen is the popular name for a combination of two weight loss
drugs that were prescribed by doctors to control hunger. The "fen"
drug was fenfluramine or dexfenfluramine, which went by the brand
names Pondimin and Redux. The "phen" drug was phentermine. Like many
other weight loss products, these drugs affected seratonin levels in
the brain, acting as a mild stimulant and making a person feel full
instead of hungry. The demand for fen-phen was so great that doctors
were pressured by the public and pharmaceutical companies into
prescribing these drugs without much thought for the dangers.
Why is the fen-phen combination of drugs dangerous?
Two rare cardiopulmonary conditions have been linked to the use of
fen-phen. Studies in the U.S. and abroad discovered heart valve
damage in a relatively high percentage of long-term fen-phen users,
compared to those who took the drugs only for very brief periods or
not at all. Heart valve disease occurs when the valves become
malformed, making them much less efficient in pumping blood. The
other disorder is PPH, or primary pulmonary hypertension. This
occurs when the blood vessels in the lungs become constricted,
raising blood pressure in the pulmonary artery. Both of these
conditions are difficult to treat and sometimes even difficult to
diagnose. They can lead to heart failure and death.
What has been done about these dangers?
In 1997 the FDA called for label changes warning consumers of
potential heart problems from long-term use. Soon after, however,
the FDA asked that the makers of the "fen" drugs Pondimin (fenfluramine)
and Redux (dexfenfluramine) withdraw them from the market. The "phen"
component of the fen-phen weight loss plans remains available.
Why hasn't the "phen" part of fen-phen been withdrawn, too?
The FDA approved Pondimin (fenfluramine) and Redux (dexfenfluramine)
separately from phentermine. They found no cases of heart valve
damage associated with taking phentermine alone. On the other hand,
the disease has been linked to use of the fenfluramine drugs by
themselves. Phentermine is a stimulant that slightly raises the
metabolism, like many other chemicals that remain FDA-approved for
weight control purposes. Nevertheless, any stimulant, no matter how
safe, should be used in moderation.
What are the symptoms of fen-phen-related diseases?
Heart valve disease can present a heart murmur that wasn't
there before, as well as symptoms of fatigue because of damaged,
inefficient valves. The heart has to work harder, and the malformed
valves can further deteriorate. Symptoms of Primary Pulmonary
Hypertension (PPH) include the following:
-
excessive fatigue
-
shortness of breath
- chest
pain
-
fainting
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-
dizziness
-
weakness
- blue
lips
- swollen
ankles
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It was
years ago that I took fen-phen. Should I still be concerned?
The "fen" drugs (Pondimin and Redux) were taken off the market in
1997, but the damage that was done years ago might still be
affecting you. Even if you haven't noticed any symptoms, remember
that heart valve disease and PPH are often difficult to detect until
it's too late. Our lawyers have set up medical examinations for
people who used fen-phen. Submit an online consultation form to see
if you qualify for this important medical examination, and let us
help you get the compensation you deserve. |
