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Question:
Could taking phen-fen 12 years ago be causing my shortness of breath now?
I am 49 y/o female. I have had increasing shortness of breath over the last year, both at rest and with exertion. With exertion, I also become syncopal and diaphoretic. I took phen-fen for only a few months about 12 years ago. I become syncopal when taking a shower as well. Should I be concerned about pulmonary hypertension?
submitted by Tammy from Seattle, Washington on 8/23/2011
Answer:
by Texas Heart Institute cardiologist, Raymond F. Stainback, MD
Thank you for your question. These are indeed worrisome symptoms that should be evaluated by a cardiologist or pulmonologist soon. It would be a routine matter to exclude pulmonary hypertension and make a general assessment and diagnosis. Although phen-fen was found to cause pulmonary hypertension and also cardiac valve disease in a small minority of patients, it would be unusual for the symptoms to be manifest 12 years after exposure. There are a number of other conditions that can also cause the same symptoms. Please seek medical attention if you have not already.
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Updated August 2011
