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.
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.
For more information on fen-Phen and other recalled drugs or products, call the product liability attorneys of Kalfus & Nachman at (855) 880-8163.
