Once believed to be a revolutionary breakthrough in the advancement of obesity treatment, Fen Phen was recalled by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1997. Prior to its removal from the U.S. market, Fen Phen became synonymous with dangerous, and often fatal side effects. Mounting evidence began to add weight to the suspected link between Fen Phen and severe, life-threatening complications. Those who used the dietary weight loss supplement were at an increased risk of heart valve damage, persistent pulmonary hypertension (PAH), and death.
If a member of your family or other loved one died after taking Fen Phen, you shouldcontact our lawyers immediately for a free confidential case evaluation. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.
Fen Phen Death Lawsuit Overview
As a product of Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, previously known as American Home Products, Fen Phen was developed to assist in the treatment of obesity. Through a unique dual action formula, Fen Phen helped people struggling with weight problems achieve a healthier weight and lower their risk for obesity-related complications. Following approval by the FDA, Fen Phen became one of the most popular dietary weight loss supplements in north America.
Fen Phen was the end result of two medications that had been combined to create one entity. Fenfluramine, the first of such drugs, has a unique mechanism of action that promotes the release of serotonin. Though ambiguous in nature, serotonin is believed to be linked to several brain functions, including that of satiety. Therefore, by releasing serotonin, fenfluramine promotes the stimulation of neurotransmitters that can potentially affect appetite.
The increased ratio of serotonin had a tendency to affect other aspects of an individual’s mood. Accordingly, developers incorporated an additional drug to counteract the corresponding mood swings. Researchers then added phentermine, a stimulant tasked with counter-balancing the negative effects of fenfluramine. By combining fenfluramine and phentermine, developers established the molecular entity that we know as Fen Phen.
However, recent evidence suggests that the active ingredients in Fen Phen may be responsible for fatal circumstances. In September 1997, the FDA issued a nationwide recall of all Fen Phen products. Their decision to recall Fen Phen came after mounting research and numerous case studies linked the drug to heart valve damage, persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPH), and even death. At the time of the recall, the FDA had received at least 123 reports of death in patients who had taken Fen Phen. Due to the fatal circumstances associated with the dietary weight loss supplement, patients may contact a lawyer at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP for a free case evaluation regarding their potential Fen Phen death lawsuit.
Fatal Fen Phen Complications
Fen Phen side effects may exhibit a variety of complications with varying degrees of severity. The following fatal complications have been associated with Fen Phen use:
- Primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH)
- Heart murmurs
- Heart valve damage
- Heart valve regurgitation
Due to complications such as these, patients may contact a lawyer at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP for a free case evaluation regarding their potential Fen Phen death lawsuit.
Fen Phen Death
According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) in 1996, approximately one out of every 20,000 people who used Fen Phen developed PPH. This data indicates a significant increase in the development of PPH, seeing as how one out of every 500,000 people in the general population develop this condition. The subsequent data indicated a significant increase in Fen Phen death with those who took the obesity treatment. In addition to patients diagnosed with PPH, it was later found that a number of deaths in users had been the result of complications of heart valve disease.
While the medical community had previously been unable to successfully detect PPH and severe heart valve damage, numerous deaths have been reported in former Fen Phen users since the dietary supplement was recalled. Thousands of lawsuits followed Fen Phen’s 1996 recall, and Wyeth has incurred serious financial losses. Subsequently, the company has never admitted any wrongdoing in relation to the Fen Phen deaths and adverse side effects suffered by former users of the drug.
Do I Have a Fen Phen Death Lawsuit?
The trial lawyers at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP have decades of experience navigating through complex legislative and regulatory issues and litigating high stakes cases all over the nation. Our law firm focuses on the representation of plaintiffs in Fen Phen death lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if a member of your family or other loved one died after taking Fen Phen, you should contact our lawyers immediately by clicking the link below or calling toll free 1-(949) 557-5800. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.