Fen Phen: A History of the Controversial Weight Loss Drug

Fen phen, a combination of two diet drugs, was a popular weight loss method in the mid-1990's. The two drugs contained in fen phen suppressed appetite and prevented drowsiness.

Popularity

• In order to combat obesity problems, fen phen was marketed heavily by diet centers and doctors. According to the New York Times, doctors prescribed 18 million prescriptions for fen phen and its similar forms.

Name

• The name fen phen is short for fenfluramine and phentermine, the two drugs that combine to make fen phen.

Removal

• Fen phen was removed from the market in 1997 after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) linked the drug to heart valve damage.

Lawsuits

• After the removal of fen phen from the market, a series of lawsuits were filed against its makers and sellers. In 1999, a class action lawsuit regarding the potentially fatal health effects of fen phen was filed by its consumers.

Settlement

• The makers and sellers of fen phen agreed to a $3.75 billion settlement in 1999 relating to the class action suit. Ongoing settlements have been paid since 1999 for those not included in the class action matter.