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2 popular diet drugs pulled from market
Fen-phen, Redux linked to heart risk
September 15, 1997
Web posted at: 1:02 p.m. EDT (1702 GMT)PHILADELPHIA (CNN) -- Two of the most popular diet drugs on the U.S. market were recalled Monday after being linked to serious heart damage.
The recall was for Redux, known chemically as dexfenfluramine, and Pondimin, also known as fenfluramine. Fenfluramine is half of the popular diet drug combination called fen-phen. The other half, phentermine, is not affected by the recall, but patients should no longer use the combination.
"If individuals are taking these medications, they should cease taking them and should consult with their physicians about what next steps should be taken," said Dr. Michael Friedman, acting head of the Food and Drug Administration.
The FDA said new preliminary data showed that doctors had observed heart lesions in 30 percent of patients using the drugs.
The FDA said that many of the patients with the lesions were not having immediate health problems, but that others suffered from shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting, swelling of the ankles and heart murmurs.
Wyeth-Ayerst, the maker of Pondimin and marketer of Redux, withdrew the drugs at the request of the FDA, and the maker of Redux, Interneuron Pharmaceuticals, also agreed to pulling the products.
Wyeth-Ayrst said it planned to place full-page notices in newspapers nationwide announcing the withdrawal. Patients were advised to call a toll-free number, (800) 892-2718, if they had any questions.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
- Consumer News: Fitness and Health - Obesity
Related stories:
- Dieters turn their backs on Fen-Phen and Redux - September 12, 1997
- Florida becomes first state to ban Fen-Phen use - September 9, 1997
- Dieters get double-barreled warning about fen-phen - August 27, 1997
- Anti-obesity drug to get warning label - August 22, 1997
Related sites:
Note: Pages will open in a new browser window
- Fen-Phen FAQ - site developed by the leading FEN/PHEN proponent and practitioner, Dr. Pietr Hitzig
- Dexfenfluramine - Miracle Drug or Pandora's Box? - from Michael D. Myers M.D. Inc.
- Dexfenfluramine - from RxList - The Internet Drug Index
- Fenfluramine - from RxList - The Internet Drug Index
- Fen-Phen, Side Effects - from California Weight Loss Associates
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration
External sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive.
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