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PPA
Phenylpropanoline
(fen-el-pro-pa-nol-a-mine)
What is PPA?
PPA is an ingredient used in many common
over the counter (OTC) and prescription drugs ranging from
diet pills like Dexatrim to nasal decongestants.
Why was PPA removed from the market?
On
May 11, 2000 the FDA received a report from scientists at
Yale University School of Medicine linking hemorrhagic strokes
(bleeding of the brain) to medications containing PPA.
The report found that women taking diet drugs containing
PPA were 16 times more likely to suffer a hemorrhagic stroke.
It also showed that those taking decongestants containing
PPA were 3 times more likely to suffer stroke.
Removal
from the Market
On
November 6, 2000, the FDA ordered drug manufacturers, with
products containing PPA, to remove such products from the
shelves.
Special Considerations:
Nearly everyone has taken a product that
contains PPA. However,
not everyone will suffer a hemorrhagic stroke.
Officials estimate that PPA only accounts for about
500 hemorrhagic strokes per year.
Since these estimates are based on studies that are
largely outdated, this number may only represent a fraction
of the total number of the actual strokes caused by PPA.
Only
individuals who have suffered hemorrhagic stroke
may recover through this litigation.
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