Fen-phen alters the levels of serotonin in the brain that which alert us to hunger. By affecting these serotonin levels, fen-phen can cause primary pulmonary hypertension, heart valve problems, and neuropsychological damage to the brain.  Heart failure occurs when the heart loses its ability to pump enough blood through the body.

Primary Pulmonary Hypertension

Primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) results in the progressive narrowing of the blood vessels of the lungs. This causes  high blood pressure in these vessels and can lead to heart failure. Studies show that treatment with some appetite suppressant drugs may increase the risk of developing PPH from 1 to 28 cases (per million persons treated in one year).  Symptoms may include:

When the aortic and mitral valves are impaired, blood may be regurgitated into the ventricle and left atrium. The symptoms of heart valve disease are often subtle: fatigue, shortness of breath and chest pain. Treatment can include medication, surgical repair of the damaged heart valves and/or heart valve replacement surgery. Long term heart monitoring and medication is the norm.

Neuropsychological Damage

Neuropsychological damage is difficult to diagnose. If you have any indication of neuropsychological damage, you should consult a neuro-specialist.  Symptoms may include behavioral changes, cognitive disturbance, depression, memory loss, and / or mood swings.

Patients who took Redux, Pondimin, or phen-fen for more than three months should have a thorough cardiovascular exam, including an echocardiogram. Many who had valvular abnormalities had been taking multiples of the recommended dosages. Others were also taking Prozac, an antidepressant which increases serotonin and intensifies effects of diet drugs.

• Product Liability: Defective products such as prescription drugs, which are not properly labeled as to interactions or other contraindications.  Your attorney can evaluate your legal rights and advise you of possible compensation.
• Professional Malpractice:  Medical malpractice or negligence may involve delay in treatment or incorrect treatment or missed diagnosis. Your lawyer can protect your rights and represent your interests.
• Wrongful death: Fatal injuries due to negligence or other liability may bring compensation to heirs or the estate. Seek legal counsel before the statute of limitations becomes an issue.

The Food and Drug Administration, has asked the manufacturers to voluntarily withdraw both fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine from the market. Dexfenfluramine is manufactured for Interneuron Pharmaceuticals and marketed under the name of Redux by Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories, a subsidiary of American Home Products Corp. of Madison, N.J.  

American Home Products Corp. of Madison, N.J. also manufactured and marketed fenfluramine under the brand name Pondimin. Both companies agreed to voluntarily withdraw their drugs.

The FDA did not request the withdrawal of phentermine, another widely used medication used for treatment of obesity.

If you have neurological damage or heart failure after or during use of fen-phen or redux,  the maker or manufacturer of the drug may be liable for compensation to you. Your lawyer can counsel you as to your  right to recover damages to help defray the costs of treatment and provide compensation for your pain and suffering.

Drug litigation can be extremely complex, so be sure to seek the counsel of a personal injury attorney with experience in this field of law.

If you feel that you are having a reaction to any drug, stop the drug immediately and call your physician.