Cardiac valvulopathy associated with exposure to fenfluramine or dexfenfluramine: US Department of Health and Human Services interim public health recommendations, November 1997

The US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) recommends medical screening of people who have used the popular appetite suppressants fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine. FDA has received reports of at least 113 cases of heart valve disease thought to be related to the diet pills, and the drugs were withdrawn on September 15, 1997. DHHS advises physicians to examine every patient exposed to the drugs. An echocardiogram is recommended for patients with signs or symptoms of valvular disease, and in any patient before invasive procedures.