Fenfluramine

• Fenfluramine releases extra serotonin into your body. Serotonin is a chemical that is associated with certain brain functions, including a sense of being satisfied. An earlier version of the drug was marketed in the United State since 1973. However, it was not very successful, mainly because of its side effects of mood changes and drowsiness. A very serious side effect of fen phen included primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH), according to Defective Drug Information. There is no known cure for PPH.
  
  

PPH

• PPH is condition that can result in a lung disorder involving a life-threatening increase in the blood pressure of your pulmonary artery, increased resistance of blood flow, expansion of your heart and right ventricle, and growth of excess tissue in arterial walls. In addition, symptoms of PPH can include chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, unusual fatigue and leg swelling. Diagnosis of this condition can be done by an echocardiogram.
  
  

Phentermine

• Phentermine, the prescription drug combined with fenfluramine to create fen phen, is a stimulant and appetite suppresant that continues to be used for weight loss, according to Drugs.com. There is a warning that phentamine should not be taken with fenluramine due to the risk of PPH. It is also habit-forming and should be decreased gradually in order to stop. Side effects of phentamine can include anxiety or nerviousness, insomnia, unpleasant taste or dry mouth, headache, tremmors, dizziness, constipation or diarrhea and itching.
  
  

Onset

• According to PPH-net.org, studied have indicated that the disease can develop several years after you have stopped taking fen phen. It could potentially be as long as 10 years or more before the first symptoms appear. The cause of the serious conditions of PPH are the result of too much serotonin in your system.
  
  

Class Action

• According to Defective Drug Information, following the FDA's recall of fen phen class action lawsuits claimed that the manufacturer, American Home Products was negligent. The result of these cases a contributing factor in the establishment of a settlement fund by American Home Products.By 2003, 37,000 of the serious cases had been addressed. Due to the latency of the effects of the drug, individuals are continuing to be diagnosed with PPH and other cardiovascular conditions.