PPH (Primary Pulmonary Hypertension) is one of the serious medical complications associated with the use of fen-phen, a combination of the two drugs, fenfluramine (Pondimin) and phentermine (Fastin), used in the treatment of obesity.

Serious medical disorders were associated with the fen-phen combination, and with fenfluramine, or the related compound dexfenfluramine (Redux), used alone.

People suffering from PPH are entitled to seek damages through claims facilitated by qualified attorneys.

PPH is distinguished from Pulmonary Hypertension in that it develops in the absence of underlying heart or lung disease, or other medical conditions. It may be familial (inherited) or a result of the exposure to toxic agents, such as fen-phen.

PPH (Primary Pulmonary Hypertension) may not develop for years after exposure to the offending agent (fen-phen).

It develops as a consequence of damage to the blood vessels in the lungs. The walls of these blood vessels become thickened and constricted (narrowed) as a consequence of scarring. This leads to impaired exchange of oxygen between the blood and cells outside of capillaries (the tiniest blood vessels), as well as restricted blood flow.

Since blood flow is compromised, the heart must work harder to ensure that adequate amounts of blood reach tissues in the body. This additional work may overwhelm the heart and lead to heart failure.

The results of heart failure can include an accumulation of fluid in the liver and abdominal cavity (ascites) or in other tissues, usually the extremities, the ankles and feet (edema).

An accurate diagnosis may require time for the symptoms to develop. It generally involves the use of chest x-rays, CAT scans, pulmonary function tests, echocardiograms and angiography (inserting a catheter into the pulmonary circulation and injecting dye to demonstrate abnormal structure).

Required treatment for the serious medical complications related to PPH includes intensive medical management with a variety of medications employed in an effort to reduce symptoms. It may involve the need for organ transplantation.

The symptoms associated with PPH may include dyspnea (shortness of breath), feeling lightheaded or dizzy, weakness, fatigue, chest pain, ascites and edema, or death.

People who have suffered damages related to the use of fen-phen, including PPH, may proceed with claims to recover damages with the assistance of attorneys. They can receive compensation for pain and suffering, lost earnings, medical expenses, and punitive damages.

Phen-Fen Attorneys:

Fen-phen attorneys and phen-fen lawsuits comprise a means for patients suffering damages related to the use of fen-phen to be financially compensated. This includes compensation for medical expenses, lost income as a result of their inability to work, damages related to physical pain, and punitive damages.

Fen-phen, or phen-fen, is a combination of the drugs fenfluramine (Pondimin) and phentermine (Fastin). Patients who were prescribed this combination, or who have taken fenfluramine (or the related drug, dexfenfluramine) alone are at risk for developing serious medical complications.

Those afflicted by these complications are entitled to pursue litigation in two forms:

1. Phen-fen lawsuits in the form of a class action suit for people diagnosed with valvular heart disease (damaged heart valves).

2. Individual litigation through fen-phen attorneys for those who developed PPH (Primary Pulmonary Hypertension) or neuropsychological complications.

Valvular Heart Disease:

Many patients who were prescribed fen-phen developed valvular heart disease. In other words, they suffered damage to one or more valves in their heart, most commonly the mitral valve or the aortic valve. This damage may require complex medical treatment or surgery to replace the defective valves.

They may be entitled to compensation for damages through fen-phen attorneys involved in the phen-fen lawsuit, the Nationwide Class Action Settlement Agreement with American Home Products.

Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH):

Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH) has also been linked to the use of these drugs. This medical condition involves thickening and constriction of the tiny blood vessels in the lungs known as capillaries. This thickening and constriction leads to impaired exchange of oxygen across this membrane and resistance to blood flow in the lungs.

Increased resistance creates more work for the heart, which can lead to heart failure. As the heart's ability to pump fails, fluid backs up in the liver causing ascites (accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity), or in other tissues, such as the feet and ankles, producing edema.

These individuals may pursue claims for damages by employing the services of fen-phen attorneys who can file individual claims (phen-fen lawsuits) on their behalf.

Neuropsychological Damages:

Neuropsychological damages are those damages related to the development of memory loss, behavior changes, depression or mood swings, or psychotic symptoms that developed as a consequence of using fen-phen.

People afflicted with any of these complications are also entitled to compensation for damages. Like those who developed PPH (Primary Pulmonary Hypertension), people suffering from neuropsychological side effects must employ fen-phen attorneys and file phen-fen lawsuits to receive compensation for their damages.