Home
Latest Victories
About Us
Finding A Lawyer
Practice Areas
Contact Us
Common Questions
Associated Links

Ask Us A Question

First Name:

Last Name:

E-Mail:

Phone:

Your Claim or Question:

Please Enter Verification Code Below Verification code: More info

PRIMARY PULMONARY HYPERTENSION (PPH) AND FEN-PHEN

Fen-Phen and Prescription Weight Loss Drug Lawyers

Cincinnati, Ohio

Fen-Phen and other prescription weight loss drugs have been tied to the heart disease known as Primary Pulmonary Hypertension, or “PPH”. This disorder increases the pressure in the blood vessel between the heart and the lungs causing heart enlargement and failure. The connection between these medications and heart disease may be considered a personal injury caused by drug manufacturer negligence and doctor malpractice.

The occurrence of PPH has been steadily increasing since it was first diagnosed in the 1970s. The American Heart Association estimates that up to 1000 new cases are diagnosed annually, primarily in women from 20 to 40 years of age.

Although doctors are not sure what causes PPH, a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 1996 discovered that people who had used Fen Phen were 23% more likely to develop the heart disease. Frightening statistics show that this condition may not appear in users of diet medications for up to 10 years.

As these discoveries were made public, in 1997 the FDA recalled several popular diet drugs including Redux, Pondimin, and Fen-Phen. Since then, hundreds of studies have shown that patients who took Fen-Phen or Pondimin developed heart problems, PPH, and suffered from brain neurotoxicity. These diet drugs were extremely popular worldwide, and an estimated 7 million consumers used them.

Chest pain, dizzy spells, weakness, fatigue, and shortness of breath are the initial symptoms of PPH. Delayed diagnosis of the condition may lead to advanced symptoms including lower leg and ankle swelling, oxygen-starved bluish lips and skin, worsening chest pain and eventually, death.

Drug manufacturers being investigated include Wyeth, Interneuron Pharmaceuticals, and American Home Products. These companies were negligent in thoroughly testing weight-loss drugs before releasing them to the public. Weight loss centers and physicians are also liable for negligence and malpractice due to prescribing drugs while knowing the serious side effects.

Former diet drug users who suffer from these conditions may be able to collect medical expenses and damages due to drug company and physician negligence. Contact a personal injury lawyer familiar with PPH and Fen-Phen at the law offices of O'Connor Acciani & Levy and get an expert’s opinion on your case. You may be entitled to a PPH settlement or other compensation from drug manufacturers, doctors and weight loss centers. Click here or call 513-241-7111.