Fen-phen, commonly misspelled phen-phen, is a weight loss pill withdrawn from the US market in 1997 due to increased risk of heart disease, specifically Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH).  Fen-phen, a combination of the drugs fenfluramine and phentermine, was designed to increase the levels of a certain chemical in the brain to create a feeling of fullness, leading to loss of appetite.  The increased risk of PPH was isolated to fenfluramine, sometimes marketed as Pondimin® (fenfluramine) and Redux™ (dexfenfluramine).  Patients taking the fen phen combination therapy were shown to have a 30% rate of abnormal echocardiograms indicating problems with the heart valve, an alarming figure.

Primary pulmonary hypertension is an increase in blood pressure in the blood flowing back and forth between the heart and lungs with no apparent causes.  Fen-phen is generally associated with one particular type of PPH, called Primary Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PPAH).  PPAH refers specifically to the increased blood pressure of de-oxygenated blood traveling from the heart to the lungs. 

Primary Pulmonary Hypertension symptoms include shortness of breath, fainting, and dizziness - all of which are made worse by physical exertion.  PPH can also cause heart failure and a decrease in the ability to exercise.  Primary pulmonary hypertension is treated conventionally with lifestyle changes and prescription drugs, including heart medication, diuretics, and anticoagulants.  PPH may take several years to develop.  The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker recommends that everyone who has ever used the Fen Phen combination, Pondimin®, or Redux™ have their hearts and lungs tested regularly by licensed physicians.

The makers of fenfluramine, American Home Products Corporation (now known as Wyeth), has settled a class action lawsuit with the persons who took either Pondimin®, Redux™, or Fen-Phen.  However, primary pulmonary hypertension is not included in the Class Action settlement.  Anyone diagnosed with PPH is allowed to pursue an independent claim or lawsuit for compensatory, punitive, exemplary, or multiple damages; even if you have received funds from the class action settlement trust previously for drug refunds, echocardiogram screening, or cash or medical services for being “FDA positive” (having mild, moderate or severe regurgitation of the aortic valve or moderate or severe regurgitation of the mitral valve).

The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker wants to help.  If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Primary Pulmonary Hypertension after use of Fen-Phen, don’t hesitate to fill out the form on the right or give us a call at (800) 333-0000 for a FREE, confidential consultation with no obligation.  We are proud to be partnered with a nationally recognized team of law firms focused on obtaining the maximum recovery possible for you.  You need strength and efficiency in the fight against negligent corporations, and Larry H. Parker will Fight For You!™

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