Home > Fen-Phen > Overview
On September 15, 1997 the US Food and Drug Administration announced it had asked
the manufacturers of fenfluramine (marketed under the brand name Pondimin)
and dexfenfluramine (marketed under the brand name Redux) to voluntarily
remove these drugs from the market. These drugs were withdrawn from the market
on September 15, 1997.
These drugs had been prescribed alone and/or in combination with phentermine
for weight loss. "Fen-Phen" refers to the use in combination of fenfluramine
and phentermine. "Dexfen-Phen" refers to the use in combination of dexfenfluramine
and phentermine.
A variety of individual and class action lawsuits have been filed in state
and federal courts against the manufacturer of these drugs (American Home Products
Corp.) and other parties. These lawsuits include allegations of adverse health
affects (including heart valve regurgitation and valvular heart disease) resulting
from the use of these drugs.
A nationwide
class action settlement involving American Home Products Corp. has been
approved by the US District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
The US Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit affirmed this decision on Augusat
15, 2001. This decision may still be reviewed by the US Supreme Court. Under
this settlement, individuals who have taken Pondimin and/or Redux may be eligible
for benefits. For more information on this settlement, visit the AHP
Diet Drug Settlement web site.
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