Fatal pulmonary hypertension associated with short-term use of fenfluramine and phentermine

Article Abstract:

A 29-year-old woman died from pulmonary hypertension and cardiac arrest that was apparently caused by the use of fenfluramine and phentermine. These drugs are appetite suppressants and are commonly called fen-phen when used together. The woman only used the drugs for 23 days and five months later was hospitalized for shortness of breath, swelling of her feet and two fainting episodes. Cardiac catheterization revealed pulmonary hypertension. When she died eight months after taking the drugs, an autopsy revealed lung changes characteristicly seen in patients taking appetite suppressants.

Causes of

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Appetite suppressants and valvular heart disease

Article Abstract:

People who have taken the diet pills fenfluramine or dexfenfluramine should have regular medical examinations to detect heart valve disease. These drugs first appeared in the 1990s, and seemed to be effective in the treatment of obesity. But in July, 1997, a paper was published reporting heart valve disease in 24 patients who had taken the drugs. The FDA subsequently ordered the drugs to be withdrawn from the market. Three 1998 studies confirm the link between these drugs and heart valve disease. However, the risk was low in patients who took the drugs for short periods of time.

Editorial, Dexfenfluramine

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Valvular heart disease associated with fenfluramine-phentermine

Article Abstract:

Fenfluramine and phentermine may increase the risk of heart valve disease when used together. These drugs are appetite suppressants and are commonly called fen-phen when combined. Physicians identified 24 women taking fen-phen who developed heart valve disease. None had a history of heart disease. Eight of the women also had pulmonary hypertension. Five required surgery to replace one or more heart valves. In these women, the surgically removed valves were coated with a white plaque-like substance.

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