Diet medications and valvular heart disease: the current evidence.
Since 1997, the appetite suppressant drugs fenfluramine-phentermine (fen-phen) and dexfenfluramine have been associated with the development of valvular heart disease. As a result, the drugs have been withdrawn from the market and interim recommendations for evaluation and treatment of exposed patients were issued. However, subsequent studies showed lower prevalence rates for valve abnormalities than were initially reported, and the possibility of such drug-induced lesions resolving has been raised. This article reviews relevant evidence and discusses concerns for the dental practitioner.
Barasch
Andrei
A
University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, USA. barasaff@cs.com
Safford
Monika M
MM
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001067:Appetite Depressants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017742:Dental Care for Chronically Ill; D020372:Dexfenfluramine / Q000009:adverse effects; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004335:Drug and Narcotic Control; D004452:Echocardiography; D005260:Female; D005277:Fenfluramine / Q000009:adverse effects; D006349:Heart Valve Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010645:Phentermine / Q000009:adverse effects; D017366:Serotonin Receptor Agonists / Q000009:adverse effects; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects; D013997:Time Factors
D001067:Appetite Depressants; D020372:Dexfenfluramine; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005277:Fenfluramine; D010645:Phentermine; D017366:Serotonin Receptor Agonists; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors