FDA Drug Recall Of Fen Phen Because Of Increased Risk of PPH And Heart Failure
If you are one of the millions of people who were prescribed this diet drug during the 1990s and you have been suffering from Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) or Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH), you may want to seek legal advice from Fen Phen injury lawyers. The drug is a combination of Pondimin and Phentermine, and was heavily used for the treatment of weight loss in both men and women. On September 15, 1997, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recalled the medication after a study at the Mayo Clinic showed that it increased the likelihood of PPH by 23 times. The study also confirmed in 24 cases that its prolonged use led to heart valve disease. American Home Products was the original name of the company that manufactured the drug. It has since changed its name to Wyeth.
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension and Primary Pulmonary Hypertension are serious conditions that often prove fatal. Therefore, after the recall of the diet drug, over 11,000 patients filed lawsuits, resulting in combined damages of $4.83 billion. While individuals who are properly registered with the company can still claim benefits under the terms of the class action settlement until 2011, if they have not had an echocardiogram since January 3, 2003, they will lose their rights to bring a claim or receive compensation resulting from use of the pill. Because the onset of symptoms may not begin until 10 to20 years from the last dosage, law firms are still reviewing cases these cases.
Cardiologists have urged former users of this product to seek medical attention due to the serious nature of the disease it causes. Symptoms of PPH include:
• Weakness
• Fainting
• Difficulty breathing
• Dizziness
• Coughing blood
• Blue lips hands and feet
Symptoms of PAH include: • Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Feeling tired
• Fainting
• Palpitations or abnormal heartbeat
• Dry cough
• Chest pain
• Swollen ankles or legs
Extensive marketing campaigns and the widespread use of the drug convinced those seeking a weight loss solution that this was a safe option. However, contrary to what many believed, the FDA never approved its use. Still, it was not illegal to sell or prescribe it on the market. As a matter of fact, doctors are allowed to prescribe “non-approved” drugs to the general public if they are approved for any use. In 1996 alone, the combination was administered to over 18 million people. Thousands of consumers are now suffering from the damage done by this dangerous product. Over the years, the associated lawsuits had proven to be controversial, as the company was accused of covering up side effects in order to keep their product on the market.
The chronic nature of the illnesses associated with this medication often leads to high medical bills and time lost from work. It can also become difficult to perform simple tasks such as climbing stairs. If you would like to know more about your rights or the company’s liability regarding the Fen Phen PPH connection, speak to a qualified attorney.
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Fen Phen PPH Lawsuits Attorneys
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