Fen-Phen is the generic name for the combination of two prescription diet drugs, Fenfluramine and Phentermine, which were used to suppress appetite. This was accomplished through the regulation of seratonin, a chemical in the body that affects appetite. Unfortunately, high levels of seratonin can cause damage to the heart.
The two most common symptoms of heart injury from the Fen-Phen drugs are shortness of breath and chest pain. Many people who took Fen-Phen are suffering with heart valves that leak. In some cases, the leaks have become so severe that these valves must be replaced or repaired through surgery. Fen-Phen has also caused many cases of pulmonary hypertension. Moderate or severe pulmonary hypertension is a serious heart condition and should not be confused with high blood pressure.
The drugs in Fen-Phen are also known by many other names
including pondimin, ionamin, and fastin. Another diet drug known
as Redux was also widely prescribed and has caused injuries
identical to those seen in the users of Fen-Phen. Fenfluramine has
also been used in combination with other diet drugs and may
cause injuries and side effects as seen with Fen Phen.
