• Primary Pulmonary Hypertension
• Pulmonary Hypertension
• Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
• PPH Symptoms
• PPH Diagnosis
• PPH Causes
• PPH Treatment
  • Ambrisentan
  • Tracleer
  • Flolan
  • Remodulin
  • Prostacyclin
  • Lung Transplants
  • Thelin
• Diet Drugs and PPH
• Legal Remedies for PPH

Primary Pulmonary Hypertension - Sufferers' Legal Rights

Primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) is a serious condition that is characterized by dangerously elevated arterial blood pressure in the pulmonary artery (over 25 mmHg). The pulmonary artery is the major blood vessel that transports blood from the heart to the lungs to be oxygenized (carbon dioxide is released via exhalation).

PPH typically occurs as a result of a genetic disposition to the disease (familial in nature); however, it is now known that primary pulmonary hypertension can be caused by the use of certain diet drugs. Fen Phen, Redux (dexfenfluramine) and Pondimin (fenfluramine) are three such diet drugs that have been linked with causing PPH.

In addition to causing primary pulmonary hypertension, the use of Fen Phen, Redux (dexfenfluramine) and Pondimin (fenfluramine) can also cause heart disease or heart valve defects. Defective heart valves can result in blood regurgitation into the ventricle and left atrium. Such defects can be detected via an echocardiograph during a non-invasive ultrasound procedure. There are a number of treatment options available for people suffering from heart valve defects, some of which include heart valve replacement surgery, valvoplasty (valvotomy), or medication.

PPH Lawsuits

Prior to a drug's approval, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) require pharmaceutical companies to test and monitor their products in order to determine any notable side effects or toxicity concerns. This "clinical trial" process involves four phases and can take several decades to complete. In fact, phase four of the clinical trial process typically continues long after a drug has gained FDA approval so as to monitor any possible latent side effects that might take time to develop. Diet drugs of the Fen Phen variety (fenfluramine and phentermine) have been removed from the market because of the development of latent side effects; namely primary pulmonary hypertension and heart disease.

People who have developed PPH, heart disease or a heart valve defect as a result of taking any of the aforementioned diet drugs have the right to file a personal injury claim against the negligent pharmaceutical companies who are liable for their condition. It is estimated that the total cost of liability for Fen Phen manufacturers American Home Products Corporation will eventually exceed $14 billion. Litigation thus far has cost the company more than $3.75 billion.

Contacting a Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with primary pulmonary hypertension, heart disease or a heart valve defect as a result of diet drug use, contact the law offices of Ferrer, Poirot & Wansbrough at 800 521 4492 or visit the firm's website at www.ppa-injury.com to get additional information about your rights to compensation. With over 20 years of experience and having represented more than 10,000 personal injury claimants, the attorneys of Ferrer, Poirot & Wansbrough are available to answer your questions today.

Last Revision: December 18, 2007

MediaFact is an important Internet resource about drug side effects related to Stevens Johnson Syndrome and Primary Pulmonary Hypertension.