Swindled 119. The Magic Pill (Fen-Phen)
Oct 31, 2024
A weight-loss drug, Belviq, faces withdrawal due to cancer risks, highlighting the dark side of diet drugs. The tumultuous history of weight-loss trends reveals dangers from past treatments like Fen-Phen. Personal stories, including Mary’s health struggles and a complex legal saga for victims, unveil corporate negligence. The fallout continues with legal battles against unscrupulous attorneys profiting from the suffering. Many victims voice their dissatisfaction over unmet promises and financial obligations, as they navigate their ongoing health crises.
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Pam Ruff's Discovery
- Pam Ruff, a medical technician, noticed a concerning trend in young patients with heart valve abnormalities.
- She connected this to the diet drug Fen-Phen after analyzing medical records.
Fen-Phen's Rise
- Fen-Phen, a combination of fenfluramine and phentermine, was initially tested and found effective for weight loss.
- It was prescribed off-label without FDA approval for the combination's safety.
Fen-Phen's Marketing
- American Home Products (AHP) acquired Fen-Phen and heavily marketed it after a magazine article boosted its popularity.
- They focused on promoting the drug amidst growing obesity concerns.