Recalled Diet Drugs

Over the last decade, the FDA has ordered the recall of and issued a warning about several diet drugs or dietary supplements. Two of the most recent are Fen-Phen and LipoKinetix.

Fen-Phen

Fen-Phen is a combination of two drugs, fenfluramine (Pondimin) and phentermine (Ionamin), that were used in the mid-1990s by many people in order to lose weight. Dexfenfluramine (Redux) was also used as part of the Fen-Phen "drug cocktail." Both fenfluramine (Pondimin) and dexfenfluramine (Redux) work by altering serotonin levels in the brain to suppress the appetite. These drugs were manufactured by American Home Products Corporation.

Fen-Phen has been linked to heart valve damage and primary pulmonary hypertension. There is also some evidence to suggest that Fen-Phen causes neuropsychological damage. Increasing evidence that fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine were linked to heart valve damage prompted the FDA to recall both Pondimin and Redux in 1997.

American Home Products Corporation has offered a settlement totaling approximately $3.75 billion to all patients who were injured by taking Fen-Phen. The settlement covers approximately six million people who took the drug combo, even if they have no intention of filing a lawsuit. Payments will range from prescription refunds to a maximum of $1.5 million for patients who suffered heart damage.

LipoKinetix

LipoKinetix, a dietary supplement manufactured by Syntrax Innovations, Inc., is intended to aid in weight loss. The supplement contains norephedrine (PPA), caffeine, yohimbine, diiodothyronine, and sodium usniate.

The FDA has received several reports of hepatitis and/or liver failure related to the use of LipoKinetix and, as a result, has issued a warning to all consumers who are using the product. Patients are urged to consult a doctor if they experience any of the following symptoms while taking the product:

  • Nausea
  • Fatigue or weakness
  • Abdominal pain
  • Fever
  • Change in skin color

 

LipoKinetix has not been recalled by the FDA, but Syntrax Innovations reports that manufacture of the supplement was halted approximately one year ago due to difficulties in obtaining the needed ingredients.

 

 

Diet Drugs

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