Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH) is a deadly lung disorder that can lead to heart failure. It is also known as Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH).
During the 1990's, millions of Americans regularly took the "miracle" weight-loss drug Fen-Phen – actually a combination of two drugs, Pondimin, fenfluramine and phentermine. Another diet drug produced by the same company that sold Pondium was also linked to PPH. This drug is called Redux. The manufacturers American Home Products Corporation (also known as "Wyeth") marketed the drug as a low-risk, effective, painless way to lose weight. What it didn't tell the public was that dozens of people had died because the drug had caused a disease called PPH. Only a study by the prestigious Mayo Clinic forced the drug company from selling this dangerous product.
The rare, incurable, and sometimes fatal disease known as primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) or pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) causes the blood vessels in the lungs to constrict. As a result, blood pressure builds in the pulmonary artery between the heart and the lungs, making breathing difficult and causing exhaustion, fainting, chest pain, and heart irregularity. Ultimately, PPH can lead to heart failure.
In September, 1997 the Food & Drug Administration suggested a nationwide Pondimin and Redux recall because of extremely high rates of PPH and other diseases among users of the drug. Sadly, many of these cases could have been prevented. While the drug companies stalled to avoid responsibility for their actions, the Fen-Phen victim toll continued to rise. New cases appear to this day, even among people who haven't used the drug for 10 or more years.
The company which manufactured these drugs has paid hundreds of millions of dollars to people who developed PPH or PAH after taking Fen-Phen, Pondimin and Redux. PPH or PAH may be progressive, and often symptoms do not appear for years after taking the drug. You may still have a claim despite the length of time since you ingested the diet drugs.
- Progressive shortness of breath with minimal activity
- Chest Pain
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Coughing up blood
- Ankle Swelling
- Blue Tint to the Skin and Lips
The disorder is 100 times more common among former users of the diet drug combination popularly known as "Fen-Phen". The diet drugs that experts have linked to PPH are "Pondimin", part of the Fen-Phen combination, and "Redux". Both Pondimin and Redux were withdrawn from the market in September, 1997, after they were conclusively linked to PPH and vascular heart disease.
It is now well-established that new cases of PPH caused by the diet drugs are now being diagnosed for the first time. This is because there may be a latency of 10-20 years after cessation of the diet drugs before the PPH disease manifests itself.
- Tracleer (Bosentan)
- Eproprostnol
- Treprostenol
- Flolan
- Remodulin
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with PPH or PAH and took Fen-Phen, Pondimin or Redux, you may be entitled to a substantial recovery.
Your time may be short to collect compensatory or punitive damages for your serious injuries. If you, your family or someone you know has been injured, email us or call 1-800-450-5500 now for a free, private consultation. Knowledge is power - we'd like to help you!
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