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Pulmonary hypertension and fenfluramine.
British Medical Journal (Clinical Research Ed.)
|October 3, 1981
Summary
Fenfluramine, used for weight reduction, may cause pulmonary hypertension. Discontinuation of the drug resolved symptoms, suggesting a causal link.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Fenfluramine is a medication historically used for weight reduction.
- Pulmonary hypertension is a serious condition characterized by high blood pressure in the lung arteries.
Observation:
- Two women developed pulmonary hypertension after prolonged fenfluramine use for weight loss.
- Symptoms and electrocardiographic changes indicative of pulmonary hypertension resolved upon drug withdrawal.
Findings:
- Rechallenge with fenfluramine in one patient led to the recurrence of pulmonary hypertension evidence.
- These observations strongly suggest fenfluramine as a potential cause of drug-induced pulmonary hypertension.
Implications:
- Patients on fenfluramine should monitor for and report any worsening exercise tolerance.
- This highlights the importance of pharmacovigilance for weight-loss medications.
- Further research may be warranted to elucidate the mechanism of fenfluramine-induced pulmonary hypertension.