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Fen-Phen History
Phentermine and pondimin combined in a low dose
was found in a 1984 study to help suppress appetite
for the purpose of weight loss. The combination
of two drugs appeared to have fewer side effects
then when the drugs were taken individually. Fen-phen
became the name of the combined drugs and it immediately
took off in popularity. A study in 1992 found
120 obese patients that were treated with fen-phen
lost an average of 30 pounds. The two drugs pondimin
and redux, both manufactured by American Home
Products, were initially approved for short-term
use. Redux was approved in the U.S. in 1995 and
it was an immediate success.
Fen-phen’s miracle status came to a halting
end when the Mayo Clinic released a study finding
fen-phen to cause very serious side effects and
health complications
in 1997. The most frequent complication was heart
valve defects, more specifically the aortic and
mitral valves. Blood became regurgitated into
the ventricle and into the left atrium. In July
of 1997 the FDA issued a warning regarding the
heart valve problems linked to the use of fen-phen,
specifically redux and pondimin. The FDA then
withdrew fenfluramine and redux from the U.S.
market one month later and recommended anyone
who used fen-phen to see a medical examination
to ensure their safety.
Fen-phen is in the midst of numerous class-action
lawsuits for the drug company’s failure to
disclose information that could have prevented
the health risks and complications
of hundreds and possibly thousands of patients.
Many fen-phen takers have found that their health
has had further deterioration due to their use
of the diet drug over time. Our fen-phen lawyers
can provide the highest level of legal expertise
to ensure that the proper compensation is received.
If you have any questions regarding your legal
rights, please contact
us, and a phen-fen lawyer can discuss your
case with you.
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