Parker Waichman LLP

Fen-Phen Heart Damage Diagnoses

Fen-Phen Increased Risk Of Heart Damage. The weight-loss drug often referred to as “Fen-Phen” – though it actually was sold under the brand names of Pondimin and Redux – has been associated with an increased risk for heart damage – specifically conditions known as heart valve disease and Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH). Fen-Phen was a […]

Fen-Phen

Fen-Phen Increased Risk Of Heart Damage. The weight-loss drug often referred to as “Fen-Phen” – though it actually was sold under the brand names of Pondimin and Redux – has been associated with an increased risk for heart damage – specifically conditions known as heart valve disease and Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH). Fen-Phen was a popular type of appetite suppressant prescribed to those wanting to slim down, until it was recalled about 16 years ago. However, those who ingested the drug when it was on the market are still getting diagnosed with heart conditions, even if they took it for only a short time. These heart conditions can take 10 to 20 years to show up, according to medical experts.

Fen-Phen a Combination of Two Weight Loss Drugs Sold Under Different Brands

Fen-phen is a generic name for branded medication that consisted of a combination of two drugs, fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine. Each suppresses appetite. Fenfluramine, specifically, depresses the central nervous system and raises serotonin levels, leaving those who ingest it tired. Dexfenfluramine also decreases hunger but acts more like a stimulant. The FDA had approved dexfenfluramine for short-term weight-loss in 1959 and fenfluramine for the same thing in 1973. The FDA, however, did not approve a combination of the two drugs, which is what Fen-Phen was – so basically, it could be termed an off-label drug.

After a 1992 research study revealed fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine combined resulted in fewer unwanted side effects than when taken separately, companies began to market a diet drug combination under the brand names Pondimin and Redux, and many doctors began prescribing fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine to be taken together.

Then in July 1997, researchers at the Mayo Clinic and Mayo Foundation reported 24 cases of rare valvular disease in women who took Fen-Phen drugs. Subsequently, the FDA received 66 additional reports of heart valve disease associated mainly with Fen-Phen. There were also reports of cases seen in patients taking only fenfluramine or dexfenfluramine.

First the FDA requested that manufacturers stress the potential risk to the heart in the drugs- labeling and patient package inserts. Clearly, the drugs would prove to be too dangerous even for that to be enough.

FDA Issued Recall in 1997

The FDA issued a recall in September 1997, urging both doctors and patients to stop using the diet pill combination. The agency asked the manufacturers to voluntarily withdraw both treatments for obesity from the market. Dexfenfluramine was 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., which also manufactured and marketed fenfluramine under the brand name Pondimin. Both companies agreed to voluntarily withdraw the drugs.

After additional testing, the FDA stated that in findings from doctors evaluated with echo-cardiograms patients who took fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine, finding that approximately 30 percent had abnormal echo-cardiograms, even though they showed no symptoms, an exceedingly high percentage of abnormal test results.

Additionally, a Mayo Clinic study published in the New England Journal of Medicine on August 28, 1997, suggested that as many as one-third of the people who took Fen-Phen showed evidence of heart valve disease. The study found a high incidence of heart valve disease among patients taking the diet pills; these cases show no other known reason for developing valve disease. In addition fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine were found to increase the risk of developing Primary Pulmonary Hypertension or (PPH), a rare disease that causes the progressive narrowing of the blood vessels of the lungs. Studies estimate that treatment with certain appetite suppressant drugs tends to increase the chances of developing PPH by approximately 25% to 30%.

Need Legal Help Regarding Fen-Phen?

The personal injury attorneys at Parker Waichman LLP offer free, no-obligation case evaluations. For more information, fill out our online contact form or call 1-800-YOURLAWYER (1-800-968-7529).

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
So far - totally satisfied. Good communication and follow-up.
John M.
6 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
On the Christmas Eve of 2015 I had a car accident I felt lost and confused. I had no idea what I was going to do or how I was going to get my car fixed. My supervisor referred me Jorge Peniche who works for Parker Waichman. He came to meet me at my house the same day I spoke to him and helped me till the end of my case. I was very pleased with the lawyers and Jillian was very helpful in the process, her and Jorge were ready to answer any of my questions. Thank you Parker and Waichman!!
Fanta Jondot
5 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
About 7 years ago, my sister was in a car accident and was very pleased with the way the firm handled her case. Unforuntately, I was in a car accident and she recommended that I call Parker Waichman. I could not be more happy with the way the case was handled and the outcome. The staff is also very friendly, which was refreshing.
Paul Schaeffer
11 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038