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Information About Fen-Phen Diet PillsWhat is Fen-Phen?Fen-phen is the name given to a combination of prescription diet pills - fenfluramine and phentermine - prescribed for use as an appetite suppressant in the management of obesity. Also known as FenPhen, PhenFen, or Phen-Fen. History of Fen Phen Diet PillsFrom 1989 through September 1997, two prescription diet drugs for weight loss were sold in the United States under the brand names Pondimin (fenfluramine) and Redux (dexfenfluramine). Beginning in 1992, physicians commonly prescribed Pondimin in combination with phentermine, another prescription diet drug. Phentermine was, and still is, manufactured by various entities and is distributed and sold under several different brand names. The combination of Pondimin with phentermine was often referred to as "fen-phen." From January 1995 until September 1997 approximately four million persons in the United States took Pondimin. Similarly, from June 1986 through September 1997, two million people in this country used Redux. Health Problems of Fen-Phen Diet PillsIn early-mid 1997, the Mayo Clinic observed an association between the use of fenfluramine and/or dexfenfluramine and valvular heart disease ("VHD"). On September 15, 1997, the FDA announced that there would be no further sales of Pondimin and Redux in the United States. Since the withdrawal, studies have established a causal relationship between fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine and VHD. Epidemiological studies have also established that fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine cause a fatal disease known as primary pulmonary hypertension ("PPH"). Six Million Users of Fen-Phen Diet PillsAbout 6 million people used the fen-phen weight loss drugs combination, and studies have suggested that a fourth of them may have suffered some heart damage. American Home has been sued by thousands of people; a federal judge has given preliminary approval to a $3.75 billion national settlement of such claims. A study published recently by the Mayo Clinic looked at patients who took the fen-phen cocktail, while a second study, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, dealt with people who took dexfenfluramine alone. The studies, as well as one published last week, reached similar conclusions. Recent Health Studies Into ex-Users of Fen-Phen Diet PillsA study published recently by the Mayo Clinic looked at patients who took the fen-phen cocktail of weight loss drugs, while a second study, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, dealt with people who took dexfenfluramine alone. The Mayo study looked at a small group - 30 men and women who were participating in a trial of the two drugs that was terminated when the "fen" part of the combination was withdrawn. Of the 19 people who took fen-phen instead
of a placebo, five developed mild valve abnormalities, or 26 percent.
But six months after the patients went off the drugs, all five showed
improvement, and three no longer appeared to have drug-related valve disease. Sources include: www.fen-phen-legal-resources.com Information About Obesity Drugs and Weight Loss Supplements |
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Reviews of Obesity Medications and Diet SupplementsThis web site provides only general advice on popular weight loss pills and dietary supplements. Under no circumstances should this information be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Before taking any diet or weight loss pills, we recommend that you seek advice from your doctor. Only your doctor can safely advise you about which drugs or supplements are best for you.© 2006. Diet-Pills-Information. All rights reserved. |