Why The FDA Removed Fen-Phen From The Market by:Heather Colman

Fen-Phen, which contains the drug Dexaflenflurimine

, is an appetite suppressant drug. It works to increase the brains levels of serotonin, which plays a large role in the body's appetite as well as improves the mood of the user. The problem with Fen-Phen is that is has a large amount of highly dangerous side effects. Yes, all drugs have side effects, however, this one comes with a long list of severe and extreme side effects such as valvular heart disease, pulmonary hypertension, and high blood pressure.

The total focus of Fen-Phen was weight loss in the short-term, without any regards to exercise, nutrition, and health. It is for this reason that the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) removed the drug from the market. After the FDA released an announcement, thanks to new scientific and medicinal evidence, the manufacturers of Fen-Phen voluntarily withdrew the drug as treatment for obesity.

Why did the FDA remove Fen-Phen from the market? It was a result of studies, by physicians, that proved the drug worked to create abnormal functions within the heart valves. Through a technology, called echocardiograms, thirty percent of those taking Fen-Phen had abnormal results. The FDA determined that the risks associated with Fen-Phen were unacceptable and unnecessary.

The long-term obesity treatment was deemed responsible for twenty-four women developing the rare disease called valvular heart disease. Furthermore, sixty- six cases were further reported with instances of heart valve disease as a result of the drug Fen-Phen.

Even though in 1997 the FDA recalled the drug, they continue to receive reports of those experiencing side effects of Fen-Phen. Specifically primary pulmonary hypertension cases. The reasoning behind this is because it can take up to ten years before the effects and symptoms of pulmonary hypertension appear in a patient. Through studies, it has been proven that most of the cases have been in those who participated in the treatment for three months or more. These people were at a higher risks of developing pulmonary hypertension than others. In fact, the risk was increased to twenty eight times that of someone who has never taken the Fen-Phen treatment.

Because society has placed a large amount of significance on a slim body, not necessarily a healthy one and people began looking to "miracle" weight loss drugs. While exercise and diet are the two best methods of weight loss, people tend to think that a pill can do it for them. This is simply not true; no pill can make you lose weight without the proper diet and exercise. It is true, however, that pills such as Fen-Phen can create a lot of trouble for you and your health. Always talk to your doctor before taking any type of appetite suppressant and know your risks.

Disclaimer - The information presented here should not be interpreted as or substituted for medical advice. Please talk to a qualified professional for more information about Fen-Phen.

About the author

Copyright 2006, Heather Colman. Find more Fen-Phen resources at: http://www.fen-phen-discussion.info and http://www.ebookpalace.com

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