Health Risks by the Use of Fen – Phen

Americans value efficiency and emphasis a lot on good health and beauty. America is one of the fastest moving countries. Due to the demands and pressures of career and family, a healthy diet and lifestyle sometimes take a backseat. Therefore, many dietary supplements have inundated in the market in the past few years. Though ,these dietary supplements claim to decrease the effort and time to lose weight , they are dangerous to health due to the various side effects linked with it.

It was during the 1990s that healthcare professionals and physicians started prescribing dexfenfluramine (Redux™), fenfluramine (Pondimin®) and phentermine, commonly known as Fen – Phen.  These drugs work by varying the serotonin levels in the brain to curb the feeling of hunger. Serotonin occurs naturally in the brain. It acts as a neurotransmitter affecting appetite, sensory perception and mood. According to the doctors, lack of serotonin in the brain is linked with depression and increased levels of serotonin are associated with euphoria.

However, the Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of these drugs individually, but not in the combination. The combination of these drug leads to several side effects. Several studies have established that combination of these drugs is related to the dangerous health risks.

Following are the symptoms of using Fen – Phen:

• Fainting
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breathe
• New heart murmur
• Swelling of feet

Illness linked with the use of dietary pills including Fen – Phen:

• Heart valve leaks
• Heart valve regurgitation
• Serious heart murmurs
• Thickening of the heart valves

According to a study conducted by Mayo Clinic in 1997, thirty percent of the patients using Fen-Phen suffered from heart valve dysfunction. Additionally, Fen – Phen user also developed Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH).

Primary Pulmonary Hypertension occurs rarely, however, it is a severe condition affecting the arteries in the lungs.   It is continuous and may even become fatal. The small arteries in the lungs are blocked, thus reducing the blood flow to the lungs in this disease. This in turn increases the pressure within the pulmonary arteries. As the pressure increases, right ventricle of the heart works harder to pump the blood through lungs. This leads to the weakening of the muscles of the heart, which at times fails completely. Currently, PPH is incurable.

Following are the symptoms of Primary Pulmonary Hypertension:

• Chest pain or pressure
• Shortness of breathe
• Bluish color of skin and lips
• Dizziness
• Increased heart rate
• Fatigue
• Swelling in the legs ankles and abdomen

According to some studies, patients using Fen – Phen are at an increased risk of developing PPH. Since the incubation period of PPH is longer, symptoms may appear ten years after using Fen – Phen.

Because of these findings, FDA removed Fen – Phen from the market in September 1997.FDA, along with National Institute of Health and Center for Disease and Control asked the patients to discontinue with the use of Fen – Phen. They further such patients to consult a healthcare professional immediately to determine the serious side effects caused by the consumption of Fen – Phen.

Health problems caused due to the consumption of Fen – Phen have led to the individual and class lawsuits. According to these lawsuits, some of the distributors and manufacturers were aware of the severe side effects linked to the use of Fen – Phen but they did not provide sufficient warning about it.

A National Class Action Settlement was filed against the American Home Products Corporation, the manufacturer of Fen – Phen.