Dexatrim

Dexatrim, a popular over-the-counter diet drug, has been reforumlated, removing both PPA (Phen) and Ephedra. Recent medical studies have linked both PPA and Ephedra to creating an increased risk of suffering a stroke or death.

What Is PPA?
PPA (Phenylpropanolamine) is a common ingredient in many appetite suppressants such as Dexatrim and Acutrim. PPA is also a common ingredient in hundreds of cough, cold and allergy medications such as Alka-Seltzer Plus, Dimetapp, and Robitussin.

PPA is believed to be responsible for up to 500 strokes each year.

FDA Says PPA is Unsafe Due to Risk of Stroke:
On November 6, 2000, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a “public health advisory” concerning PPA. The FDA warned that products containing the drug PPA are not considered safe for over-the-counter use. The FDA based this “public health advisory” in part upon a recent study conducted by the Yale University School of Medicine which found an association between stroke and the ingestion of products containing the drug PPA. In an effort to protect the public, the FDA asked manufacturers, marketers and distributors to voluntarily stop marketing for sale all over-the-counter products containing PPA.

PPA has also been associated with strokes in women under 50. Most strokes begin with a sever headache, stiff necks, an some loss of consciousness. Many of the strokes caused by PPA are severe and often fatal. The most likely type of stroke occurs within a few days of ingesting PPA and is referred to as a hemorrhagic stroke, which is a stroke that involves bleeding in the brain.

In November of 2000, Chattem, the maker of Dexatrim, stopped using PPA in Dexatrim.

What is Ephedra?

Ephedra is the natural chemical version of its synthetic cousin, Ephedrine HCL. Ephedrine has long been linked to increasing the risk of a user suffering a stroke or heart attack. Ephedra is marketed largerly as a "food product" and, unlike Ephedrine HCL, is not subject to regulation by the FDA. Ephedrine, Ephedra or Ma Huang and other products containing these extracts have according to the FDA, caused hundreds of illnesses, including heart attacks, seizures, strokes and dozens of reported deaths. They are amphetamine-like compounds with powerful and potentially lethal stimulant effects on the central nervous system and the heart.There also evidence that these amphetamine like compounds may in fact cause pulmonary hypertension as well.

These compounds act as stimulants that can cause rapid or irregular heartbeats (heart arrhythmias). Ephedrines act in a similar way as that of adrenaline. It dilates the bronchial muscles, contacts the nasal mucosa, raises the blood pressure and is a cardiac stimulant. Further these compounds often cause psychological side effects such as depression, nervousness, insomnia, and rapid heart rate. When taken in combination with caffeine, ephedrine can over-stimulate the central nervous system, leading to potentially life-threatening results. The products are marketed in a variety of forms, including pills, tablets, powders, liquid drops, teas and even in the form of chocolate bars. The industry estimates that BILLIONS of doses of ephedra - ma huang laced products are sold each year

Many events have recently been reported to have been caused by Ephedra. Many States, as well as some federal lawmakers, are now attempting to ban the use of Ephedra.

Ephedra was voluntarily removed from Dexatrim in September of 2002.

There may be time limits within which you must commence suit, so please contact us as soon as possible to protect your rights.

Free Consultation--No Fee if No Recovery:

If you or a loved one has suffered a heart attack or stroke while taking Dexatrim or other PPA or Ephedra containing products, contact Peterson & Assocates, PC for a free consultation:

• Contact us by telephone at 1-800-305-7552. There is no charge to you for the telephone consultation.
• We work on a contingent fee basis. We only get paid if you recover compensation.
• Click Here to submit your claim for review.