Keller Rohrback, L.L.P., has represented, and continues to investigate the potential claims of numerous people in Washington and other states who consumed the prescription diet drugs fenfluramine (also known as “Pondimin”) and phentermine (collectively known as “Fen-Phen”) or the prescription diet drug dexfenfluramine (also known as “Redux”). We have assisted our clients in pursuing claims through lawsuits in State or Federal Court and through the Nationwide Class Action Diet Drug Settlement with American Home Products Corporation.

Medical studies have shown that fen-phen and Redux can cause the following two diseases:

(1) Primary Pulmonary Hypertension: Primary Pulmonary Hypertension is a disease that is characterized by increased blood pressure in the lungs. It is a serious disease that is progressive and frequently results in death. The most common initial symptom is increased shortness of breath, particularly with exertion. The initial diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension is usually made by a cardiologist performing an echocardiogram, which can estimate pulmonary artery pressure, but is thereafter confirmed via heart catherization and exclusion of secondary causes.

(2) Valvular Heart Disease: The heart has four valves. These diet drugs have been shown to cause damage to two of the four heart valves —the aortic and mitral valves— which may become thickened and allow blood to “leak” or flow backwards. This backward blood flow causes the heart to work harder than it should and results in stress on the heart and an increased risk of developing a bacterial infection in the heart. Medications and/or surgery may necessary. Damage to the aortic or mitral valve is diagnosed by a cardiologist performing an echocardiogram.

Impact of the Nationwide Class Action Diet Drug Settlement with American Home Products Corporation on Potential Claims:

All persons who consumed Pondimin or Redux are bound by the terms of the Nationwide Class Action Diet Drug Settlement with American Home Products Corporation (“AHP Settlement”) unless they have properly completed and returned an “Opt-Out Form” to the AHP Settlement Trust or have been diagnosed with PPH as defined in the AHP Settlement.

Importantly, the AHP Settlement established deadlines for eligible persons to claim the various benefits offered by the AHP Settlement, and to file an opt-out form for eligible persons to remove themselves from the AHP Settlement. Most of these deadlines have already expired. For detailed information about the AHP Settlement, please click here: www.settlementdietdrugs.com.

Persons who have complied with the AHP settlement deadlines and who are diagnosed with FDA positive heart valve regurgitation may qualify for Matrix Level monetary benefits under the AHP Settlement.

Claims for Primary Pulmonary Hypertension, as specifically defined in the terms of the AHP Settlement, are not covered by the AHP Settlement. Thus, to receive compensation for developing Primary Pulmonary Hypertension as a result of taking Fen-Phen or Redux, you must bring a lawsuit. In order to bring a lawsuit for Primary Pulmonary Hypertension, the diagnosis must be made by a board certified pulmonologist or cardiologist who has performed a number of specific tests. In addition, such a lawsuit must be filed within the applicable statute of limitations. If you believe that you have Primary Pulmonary Hypertension, you should immediately seek appropriate medical care, and if you wish to file a lawsuit you should seek immediate legal counsel.

Please feel free to contact us. We would be happy to answer any questions that you may have about the AHP Settlement or the possibility of filing a lawsuit in relation to injuries that you may have suffered in relation to your consumption of Pondimin or Redux. In this regard, please feel free to contact us at 1 (800) 792-4485, or email paralegal Katie Grant at kgrant@kellerrohrback.com for more information.