Fen Phen Is A Defective Drug, Monetary Damages Have Been Awarded To Clients Diagnosed With PPH
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) and Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH) are serious conditions that often prove fatal. Therefore, after the recall of the diet drug Fen Phen, over 11,000 patients found a PPH law firm to assist them in filing lawsuits, resulting in combined damages of $4.83 billion. While individuals who are properly registered with American Home Products 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 drug. Because the onset of symptoms may not begin until 10 to 20 years from the last dosage, according to medical experts, lawyers are still reviewing cases of PPH and PAH from Fen Phen users. Related legal actions began after September 15, 1997, when American Home Products (now known as Wyeth) issued a recall of its diet drugs Pondimin (fenfluramine) and Redux (dexfenfluramine) from the market due to a formal request from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Fen Phen, which was broadly prescribed for weight loss, is a combination of these drugs. The recall came following clinical trials at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota that found that users of the drug combination had a 23-fold increase in cases of PPH and showed 24 cases of its leading to a rare valvular heart disease. Because it was administered to over 18 million people in 1996 alone, the lawsuits became prevalent in the late nineties. Every prominent doctor and PPH law firm has urged former users of this product to seek medical attention due to the serious nature of the disease it causes. Fen Phen side effects include: • Weakness
• Fainting
• Difficulty breathing
• Dizziness
• Coughing blood
• Blue lips hands and feet
• Death
Symptoms of PAH include: • Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Feeling tired
• Fainting
• Palpitations or abnormal heartbeat
• Dry cough
• Chest pain
• Swollen ankles or legs
Either of these two serious conditions can result in death. Extensive marketing campaigns convinced those seeking a weight loss solution that this product was a safe option. However, contrary to what many believed, the government never approved its use. Though the two opponents of the drug were approved separately, when they are used in combination, they pose a considerable health threat. The combination was never approved and yet, before the product was recalled, over 6 million American had taken one or the other. In 1996, over 18 million took them together. When the connection became clear, the lawsuits began. Still, it was not illegal to sell or prescribe the drug 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 drug was administered to over 18 million people. Thousands of consumers are now suffering from the damage done by this dangerous product. If you feel you are one of them, contact an attorney. 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 symptoms, LegalTube can help you find a lawyer who can help you.
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