Fen-Phen's Deadly Side Effect: Now it's PPH

People who took fen-phen as much as ten years ago are only now experiencing Primary Pulmonary Hypertension, the latest side effect linked to this deadly drug.

New York, NY (PRWeb) February 25, 2007 -- A decade ago, fen-phen was taken off the market after it was linked to serious health problems including Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH). Although it was expected that the number of cases would decline, PPH cases are still prevalent.

Fen-phen was a cocktail of diet drugs: patients were given either Redux (dexfenfluramine) or Pondimin (fenfluramine) in combination with the generic phentermine in what became known as fen-phen. Although fen-phen was widely prescribed - more than six million people had taken the dangerous drug before it was removed - the FDA never approved it nor was it tested for long-term safety.

One decade later, the case against fen-phen is still not over. In fact for many, it is just beginning. Although the manufacturer Wyeth reached a nationwide settlement with patients who suffered valvular heart disease from taking Pondimin and Redux, people who have been diagnosed with PPH are not affected by this settlement.

Many people who took fen-phen years ago are just now being diagnosed with PPH. And individual PPH cases against Wyeth are growing in number. Nick Johnson, lead attorney at the Johnson Law Group, is somewhat surprised that so many people are stepping forward this late, particularly because fen-phen was removed from the market in 1997. Johnson screened about ten thousand people back in 2001-2002 and he didn't see as many PPH cases then as he is seeing now. But it comes as no surprise when you understand the nature of this insidious disease - like mesothelioma (asbestosis related cancer), it sometimes takes 10 years or more to manifest.

Johnson emphasizes that it is important to realize that the statute of limitations begins to run out when patients are diagnosed. The statute of limitations varies by state. Through the Johnson Law Group and partnering firms, several dozen cases are currently being evaluated. The most important thing to keep in mind is that it isn't too late and that your PPH case isn't precluded by the nationwide class settlement almost a decade ago.

One PPH case tried with a jury in Beaumont, Texas against Wyeth reached a $1 billion verdict -- $900 million in punitive damages and $113.9 million in actual damages. Plaintiff Cynthia Cappel-Coffey took fen-phen and died when she was 41 years old, leaving behind a husband and three daughters.

In May 2006, Wyeth reached a settlement with 40,000 users of the fen-phen diet combination. The settlement allowed users least affected by fen-phen to receive compensation from a $1.28 billion supplemental fund. Claimants had to pass a medical review in order to receive pro-rated shares of the supplemental fund. Those who did not pass the medical review received $2,000 each.

If you have been diagnosed with PPH, it is most important to take action right away. Most often, a cardiologist or pulmonologist will diagnose PPH. Your next step is to find a doctor who specializes in PPH (visit http://www.phassociation.org/ for a list of doctors who specifically treat PPH). There have been improved and advanced treatments for PPH.

Your next step is to contact a lawyer. Please keep this in mind -- it is key that once you are diagnosed, you need to take action.

For further information on fen-phen and PPH, visit http://www.lawyersandsettlements.com/case/pph_class_action

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