What is Fen-Phen?

Fen-Phen is a combination of two drugs, fenfluramine (Pondimin) and phentermine (Ionamin), that were used by many people in order to lose weight. Dexfenfluramine (Redux) was also used as part of the Fen-Phen "drug cocktail."

What kind of bodily damage can result from the use of Fen-Phen? Fen-Phen can cause damage to the aortic and mitral valves of the heart. Fen-Phen has also been linked to an increased risk for primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH), a condition characterized by the narrowing of the blood vessels of the lungs.

How long would someone have to take Fen-Phen for damage to occur?

If you have used Fen-Phen for three months or more, you may be at risk for the health problems listed above. There is no proven time frame that can predict exactly when or how you may be affected. However, the New England Journal of Medicine published a study in August of 1996 that determined that use of Fen-Phen for three months or more, on average, can produce a twenty-three-fold increase in pulmonary hypertension, a serious health concern.

How can I treat the lungs and heart damage caused from Fen-Phen? Heart conditions associated with Fen-Phen use can be corrected through medication or valvoplasty - a surgery to repair or replace the damaged valves. PPH can be treated with medication to stop the progression of the disease. Many patients take vasodilators to enlarge the blood vessels in the lungs or anti-coagulants to reduce the risk of developing blood clots. Severe PPH may require a heart-lung transplant.

What are my legal options?

If you have been injured due to Fen-Phen use, you probably have a practicable lawsuit against the manufacturers. Your physician or weight-loss clinic could be liable as well. Products liability law holds that these parties have an obligation to provide safe products and in the Fen-Phen case, this duty has been violated.

You may also be eligible to participate in a class action lawsuit or a group settlement. Each state has its own laws and these laws can be very different. Therefore, your best course of action is to contact a legal professional in your local area. Acting promptly is of the utmost importance, as some cases may involve a statute of limitations.

Should I stop taking Fen-Phen, Fenfluramine, or Dexfenfluramine right now?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recommended that users of these products stop immediately. Be sure to consult your physician. Most doctors believe that you should gradually decrease your dosage so that you are completely off of it in two weeks.

If you or someone you know has suffered injuries as a result of Fen Phen, contact an attorney to discuss your legal rights.

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