Fen-Phen & PPH Lawyers: defective drugs: fen phen personal injury / lawyer links - attorneys

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PPH & Fen Phen Alert

By the time of the September 1997 recall, about 6 million Americans and 77 million people worldwide had used one drug or the other. Although fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine are no longer marketed in the U.S., individuals that took Fen-Phen may just now be experiencing medical conditions associated with the drug, including a serious and potentially fatal, progressive disease call primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH).

There is no known cure for PPH, a 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 percent.

Continue PPH Alert >

If you took fen-phen or redux for more than three months and experienced any adverse reactions such as shortness of breath, chest pain or unusual fatigue, you may have a valid legal claim. The Federal Drug Administration and the American Board of Cardiology recommend an echocardiogram to detect for the possibility of medical problems if you meet this criteria.

Fen-phen, sometimes spelled fen phen, is the name of the drug containing either pondimin (fenfluramine) or redux (dexfenfluramine), and taken in combination with phentermine (an amphetimine-like drug), prescribed for weight loss. Weight-loss drugs are called anorexiants.

In July of 1997, the FDA requested that fen-phen, and derivations of fen-phen, be recalled. Unfortunately, it may be only now that those who took took fen-phen may be experiencing medical conditions associated with the drug.

Fen-phen alters the levels of serotonin in the brain that which alert us to hunger. By affecting these serotonin levels, fen-phen can cause primary pulmonary hypertension, heart valve problems, and neuropsychological damage to the brain. Heart failure occurs when the heart loses its ability to pump enough blood through the body.

Primary Pulmonary Hypertension

Primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) results in the progressive narrowing of the blood vessels of the lungs. This causes high blood pressure in these vessels and can lead to heart failure. Studies show that treatment with some appetite suppressant drugs may increase the risk of developing PPH from 1 to 28 cases (per million persons treated in one year). Symptoms may include:

Ankle swelling
Bluish lips and skin
Chest pain
Dizziness, fainting, and weakness
Excessive fatigue
Shortness of breath

Heart Valve Problems

When the aortic and mitral valves are impaired, blood may be regurgitated into the ventricle and left atrium. The symptoms of heart valve disease are often subtle: fatigue, shortness of breath and chest pain. Treatment can include medication, surgical repair of the damaged heart valves and/or heart valve replacement surgery. Long term heart monitoring and medication is the norm.

Neuropsychological Damage

Neuropsychological damage is difficult to diagnose. If you have any indication of neuropsychological damage, you should consult a neuro-specialist. Symptoms may include behavioral changes, cognitive disturbance, depression, memory loss, and / or mood swings.

Patients who took Redux, Pondimin, or phen-fen for more than three months should have a thorough cardiovascular exam, including an echocardiogram. Many who had valvular abnormalities had been taking multiples of the recommended dosages. Others were also taking Prozac, an antidepressant which increases serotonin and intensifies effects of diet drugs.

Product liability, medical malpractice and negligence lawsuits are guided by personal injury laws. The primary aim of personal injury law is to provide relief through compensation to injured parties for the damages incurred. Among the types of recoverable damages are: loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and reasonable medical expenses. Damages include both present and future expected losses.

Product Liability: Defective products such as prescription drugs, which are not properly labeled as to interactions or other contraindications. Your attorney can evaluate your legal rights and advise you of possible compensation.
Professional Malpractice: Medical malpractice or negligence may involve delay in treatment or incorrect treatment or missed diagnosis. Your lawyer can protect your rights and represent your interests.
Wrongful death: Fatal injuries due to negligence or other liability may bring compensation to heirs or the estate. Seek legal counsel before the statute of limitations becomes an issue.

The Food and Drug Administration, has asked the manufacturers to voluntarily withdraw both fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine from the market. Dexfenfluramine is manufactured for Interneuron Pharmaceuticals and marketed under the name of Redux by Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories, a subsidiary of American Home Products Corp. of Madison, N.J.

American Home Products Corp. of Madison, N.J. also manufactured and marketed fenfluramine under the brand name Pondimin. Both companies agreed to voluntarily withdraw their drugs.

The FDA did not request the withdrawal of phentermine, another widely used medication used for treatment of obesity.

If you have neurological damage or heart failure after or during use of fen-phen or redux, the maker or manufacturer of the drug may be liable for compensation to you. Your lawyer can counsel you as to your right to recover damages to help defray the costs of treatment and provide compensation for your pain and suffering.

Drug litigation can be extremely complex, so be sure to seek the counsel of a personal injury attorney with experience in this field of law.

If you feel that you are having a reaction to any drug, stop the drug immediately and call your physician.

Prior to accepting an insurance settlement, it is wise to speak with a personal injury lawyer to evaluate your situation and to ensure that your best interests are protected. Most personal injury attorneys provide free initial consultations and most will only be paid if you win your case and receive a judgment. Most frequently, personal injury attorneys will receive a percentage of the settlement awarded to you. Legal advice can save you time, trouble and money and can insure that you are treated fairly.

Babcock Law Firm, L.L.C., Personal Injury, Speeding Tickets, DWI, Social Security, Criminal Defense, Baton Rouge, LA - (866) 309-0911

Paul A. Samakow, P.C. - Personal Injury Lawyers, Vienna, VA - (703) 761-4343, Wheaton, MD - (301) 949-1515

Smith, Debnam, Personal Injury lawyers, Raleigh, North Carolina - (919) 250-2000

Scott C. Gottlieb, Injury Law Attorney, Motor Vehicle Accidents, Medical Malpractice, Wrongful Death, Birth & Brain Injuries, Hunting & Firearms Accidents, Binghamton, NY - (607) 724-7700

Teague & Glover, Personal Injury lawyers, Elizabeth City, North Carolina - (252) 335-0878

Teddy & Meekins, Personal Injury Attorneys, Shelby, NC - serving Cleveland, Rutherford and Lincoln counties - Phone 704-487-1234

Paul L. Whitfield, Personal Injury lawyer, Charlotte, North Carolina - (704) 372-8322

William F. Horsley, P.A., Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice, Wrongful Death, Vehicle Accidents, Premises Liability, Greensboro, NC - (336) 691-0077

The Yarborough Law Firm, Construction Law, Administrative Law, Personal Injury cases, Real Estate Matters, Corporate and Business matters, Employment Law and Collections, Fayetteville, NC, 910-433-4433

Washington Injury by Brett & Coats, PLLC, Bellingham WA Personal Injury lawyers, Wrongful Death, Medical Malpractice, Accidents, Product Liability Lawyers - Bellingham, WA - (360) 733-0212

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