From 1994 to 1997, millions of Americans used a combination of two drugs, dubbed "Fen-Phen." Separately, the weight-loss results were not significant, but together the two drugs produced what at the time was considered to be remarkable results. The drug companies made enormous profits from sales of Fen-Phen, even though their combined use was neither approved by the FDA nor tested for long-term safety and effectiveness.

On July 8, 1997, the FDA issued a warning relating to evidence of heart valve problems associated with the usage of Redux (dexfenfluramine) and Pondimin (fenfluramine). On September 15, 1997, the Food and Drug Administration announced that it had asked manufacturers to voluntarily withdraw fenfluramine (Pondimin) and its sister drug, dexfenfluramine (Redux), from the pharmaceutical market. The action was based on findings that about 30 percent of patients taking the drug had abnormal echocadiograms – even though they had no symptoms.

By the time of the September 1997 recall, about 6 million Americans and 77 million people worldwide had used one drug or the other.

When a specific cause of pulmonary hypertension cannot be determined, the illness is called PPH. It is a serious and potentially life-threatening cardiovascular condition that is not curable. PPH is normally considered a diagnosis of "exclusion," i.e., it consists of increased pulmonary artery pressures, usually as the result of artery constriction where there is no discernible cause. There is no known cause of PPH but it has been the direct result of the use of these diet drugs.

Initial symptoms of PPH include:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• New heart murmur
• Fatigue
• Fainting
• Lightheadedness

These symptoms are typical among overweight people, and often associated with being “out of shape,” which is why they can be overlooked, and lead to a delay of diagnosis and treatment. Progression of PPH may develop into:

• Bluish lips and skin
• Ankle and lower leg swelling
• Increased chest pain
• Death

The most common symptom pf PPH is an increase in the pulmonic second heart sound, which can only be revealed during a physical examination. Also, the enlargement of the main pulmonary artery is common, but it is only revealed with a chest x-ray.

The revelation of this medical crisis for potential victims has spawned a multitude of legal cases by those seeking to protect their health and preserve their legal recourse for injuries. If you took Fen-Phen for any length of time, you may be entitled to compensation. American Home Products, the makers of Redux, Pondimin and Fen-Phen, has set aside a $12.25 billion for the diet drug settlement to handle all Fen-Phen injury claims. You may even be entitled to part of this settlement if you took Fen-Phen and you're healthy now but develop medical problems in the future.

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