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Fen-Phen/Redux Information Our law firm is also working on diet drug injury claims. As of January 1, 2000, over 12 individual lawsuits in the diet drug cases, and resolved another 20 injury claims in the global settlement against the drug manufacturers, as well as one medical malpractice lawsuit against the prescribing physicians. We also represent another 20-30 clients in the multi-district litigation (class action) diet drug case that is pending in Philadelphia. We have a staff that includes experienced attorneys and a nurse, as well as established relationships with cardiologists, pulmonologists, and dieticians who assist in the evaluation and pursuit of Fen-Phen claims. We have represented more than 600 clients in other mass/class action type litigations involving silicone breast implants and the Dalkon Shield. In recent years, millions of people trying to lose weight have taken diet pills such as Fen-Phen, Redux, Pondimin, Ionamin, Fastin, Adipex, Banobese, Obenix, ObyCap, Zantryl, or the generic equivalents phentermine, fenfluramine, and dexfenfluramine. In the fall of 1997, the FDA removed several of these drugs from the market in response to the Mayo Clinic’s study that was published in the New England Journal of Medicine that indicated that some combinations of these diet pills may cause serious heart valve damage. A medical test called an echocardiogram is advised to determine whether heart valves may have been damaged by the use of these drugs. Prior to the approval of these drugs, American Home Products was aware that these diet pills had the potential to cause a rare and serious heart condition known as primary pulmonary hypertension. This condition is often fatal. Animal studies before the pills were put on the market also showed they may cause brain injury that is manifested in a variety of neurological symptoms. Symptoms of heart valve damage or primary pulmonary hypertension include chest pain, chest tightening, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, heart fluttering, and swelling in the lower legs and ankles. Symptoms associated with neurotoxicity include short-term memory loss, mood swings, insomnia, and anxiety. These symptoms may not occur immediately after taking the pills. It can take several months for you to recognize these symptoms. If you quit taking the pills, or did not take the pills for an extended period of time, that is no guarantee that the symptoms will never appear, or that they will go away. Diet pill patients have reported symptoms of heart valve damage, primary pulmonary hypertension, and neurotoxicity after having taken the pills for very short periods of time. If you have taken any of these pills, the FDA highly
recommends that you get an echocardiogram to rule out any possible heart valve damage, or
to discover any heart valve damage at the earliest possible time. If you took any of these
pills and are experiencing any of the symptoms, or have evidence of heart valve injury or
pulmonary hypertension, you may need legal counsel to advise you of your rights, and
protect your rights on your behalf. The law office of
Paul D. Hermann, P.C. has
investigated claims of over 200 Fen-Phen and Redux users, and has brought
and settled drug product and medical malpractice cases.
Paul D. Hermann, P.C. is
monitoring the Diet Drug Multi-District Litigation and/or Class Action that
is developing nationwide. The office has 50 clients who remain in the global
settlement. Many have already been approved and received significant money
in the accelerated option program. If you believe you are in need of legal
assistance, you are invited to contact the law office of
Paul D. Hermann, P.C. We will
try to respond to your inquiry within 24 hours. The hallmark of our practice
is the that the interest of our clients come first. ©2001 Paul D. Hermann, P.C. |