The dangerous combination of the diet drugs fenfluramine, dexfenfluramine, and phentrimine, popularly known as fen-phen, have been linked to serious heart and lung problems. The drugs were manufactured by American Home Products (AHP), a subsidiary of Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, and widely sold under the brand names Redux (dexfenfluramine) and Podamin ® (fenfluramine). Despite noted safety concerns, the manufacturer, as well as doctors and diet clinics, aggressively marketed the fen-phen combination. As a result, over 6 million people used the unsafe diet drug “cocktail”.

The drugs were pulled off the market in 1997 when a report showed that as many as 30% of tested fen-phen users showed some heart valve damage. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has received reports of 123 deaths in which fen-phen was identified and continues to regularly receive reports of heart valve disease linked to fen-phen.

In addition to being linked to valvular heart disease, fen-phen has also been linked to primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH). PPH is a very rare, progressive and often, fatal lung condition where abnormally increased blood pressure occurs in the blood vessels in the lungs. Studies indicate that use of fen-phen increases one’s chance of developing PPH by as much as 30%.

The serious health problems associated with fen-phen led to numerous individual and class action lawsuits filed nationwide against the manufacturer. In response, the manufacturer agreed to a global settlement claims of and established a $4 billion fund for medical screening and compensation for fen-phen users. The company also stated it would set aside $14.6 billion to pay claims and litigation expenses. The settlement covers fen-phen users with heart valve damage. The final deadline to participate in the settlement was May 3, 2003 (there is an July 3, 2003 extension for some individuals). The settlement does not apply to fen-phen users with Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH). Fen-phen users with PPH may pursue their legal claims individually. For more information on Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH) claims, click here.