Pondimin® (also known as fenfluramine), and Redux™ (also known
as dexfenfluramine), are prescription diet drugs that were distributed
through doctors and weight loss clinics. When Pondimin® and/or Redux™
were taken in combination with Phentermine, it was popularly referred to
as Fen-Phen
What exactly are the heart valve abnormalities associated with the use
of Pondimin® and/or Redux™ ?
The heart valve abnormalities that have appeared in some diet
drug users occur in the two valves located
on the left side of the heart. These valves are known as the aortic
valve and the mitral valve. Both valves act like tiny gates in the
heart, opening to allow blood to move forward through the heart, and
closing in such a way that the blood cannot flow backwards. In some diet
drug users, the aortic and/or mitral valves developed lesions that
prevent the valves from closing properly. This allows the blood to flow
backwards, creating a condition known as "regurgitation."
"FDA" simply refers to the Food and Drug Administration, which
recognizes four levels of heart valve regurgitation: (1) trace or
physiologic; (2) mild; (3) moderate and (4) severe. If you have been
diagnosed as "FDA Positive," that means you have been diagnosed as
having mild, moderate or severe regurgitation (levels 2, 3 or 4) of the
aortic valve or moderate or severe regurgitation (levels 3 or 4) of the
mitral valve.
What is an Echocardiogram?
An
echocardiogram is a test in which sound waves are passed through the
chest, creating a video image of the heart and its valves. It should not
be confused with an electrocardiogram, in which sensors are placed at
various locations on the body to generate a paper readout of heart
activity.
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Can I join the Fen Phen Class Action?
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