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Fen phen Settlements

Fen Phen settlements can provide restitution to individuals who have been injured by the once-popular diet drug, Fen Phen (a combination of fenfluramine and phentermine). Fen Phen debuted on America's drug market in the 1970s and gained popularity for the short and long term management of weight and obesity. Fen Phen was widely prescribed in hospitals and weight loss centers across the nation for several years. It is estimated that eighteen million prescriptions for Fen Phen were prescribed in 1996 alone.

Fen Phen was pulled off the shelves in September 1997 after clinical study reports indicated serious cardiovascular risks associated with Fen Phen use. A Mayo Clinic study found 24 cases of unusual valvular disease in subjects who had taken PPH. At least thirty percent of all patients in the study who had developed PPH had taken Fen Phen or a similar drug. PPH, or Primary Pulmonary Hypertension, is a serious condition that claims the lives of about 150 Americans every year. After the Mayo study, another 75 cases of PPH were reported to the FDA by Fen Phen users.

After the Fen Phen recall, numerous lawsuits were filed on behalf of Americans who had suffered significant damages as a result of taking Fen Phen. A large class action lawsuit sought Fen Phen settlements for those who had taken or been injured by this defective drug. Through years of intense litigation, a Fen Phen settlements trust was established as a means to compensate the many people who had been injured by the use of Fen Phen.

American Home Products enjoyed $200 million in revenue from the sale of Fen Phen prior to the 1997 recall. A 2003 Forbes report found that Fen Phen's manufacturer had paid $13 billion in Fen Phen settlement claims related to the damages caused by Fen Phen drugs Redux and Pondimin. According to a New York Times article published in the same year, only 30 percent of the most serious Fen Phen claims have been addressed by the trust American Home Products established to provide Fen Phen settlements to eligible patients. It is estimated that more than 12,000 cases of serious Fen Phen side effects have not yet resulted in Fen Phen settlements for these victims.

Given the nature of PPH, some patients do not develop the signs and symptoms of this cardiovascular disease for years. Some patients may only be diagnosed with the condition after undergoing an echocardiogram. For this reason, many patients who have taken Fen Phen and suffered injury may not be aware of their condition for years after terminating the use of this defective drug. Fen Phen settlements may still be available for those persons who have recently been diagnosed with a PPH or a similar valvular disease caused by Fen Phen.

The recent flow of lawsuits filed by individuals seeking Fen Phen settlements has slowed a bit due to recent allegations that many claims have been falsely filed. These accusations claim that faulty echocardiogram results have led to false legal claims. Individuals, who have legitimately suffered from Fen Phen injuries, are still eligible for Fen Phen settlements and should not hesitate to contact a qualified and experienced attorney who can determine if they are eligible for Fen Phen settlements.

Contact a Fenphen Recall Lawyer

More Fenphen Resources

Pulmonary Hypertension News - News, Information and Resources regarding Primary Pulmonary Hypertension and other forms of Severe Pulmonary Hypertension.

Pulmonary Hypertension Association - Features association background, disease and treatment information, news, research, and message boards.