Phenylpropanolamine
(PPA) is a synthetic drug commonly used as an ingredient in over-the-counter
cough remedies and in appetite suppressants. PPA has been used
in these drugs for many years and was generally believed to be
safe. However, recent studies show otherwise, and the United States
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has requested that all drug
companies discontinue marketing products containing PPA.
Over-the-counter
and herbal cough remedies, appetite suppressants, body building
supplements and energy boosters may contain ephedra, which is
also known as ma huang, an herbal cousin to PPA. In fact, the
chemical composition of these products is so similar to PPA that
the FDA requested that all manufacturers of supplements containing
ephedra cease marketing of these products as well.
Interestingly,
most of the manufacturers of the over-the-counter drug products
have voluntarily stopped marketing their products, but the herbal
product manufacturers, if anything, have stepped up marketing
efforts to sell their products. Indeed, instead of just selling
supplement pills in the local health food store, these companies
are now marketing additional products such as energy and diet
bars, shakes and other foods containing ephedra, making amazing
claims and ambiguous disclaimers. They even offer discount coupons
in the newspapers.
The
FDA study has linked these products to an increased risk of hemorrhagic
stroke. A hemorrhage is severe discharge of blood from the blood
vessels. A stroke, in simple terms, is the rupture of an artery
in the brain, and its effects can range from very minor to severe,
even causing death.
There
are many other side effects associated with use of these products,
which can be minor or severe. Some of the side effects, with a
wide range of severity, include dizziness, sleeplessness, tremors,
headache, tingling sensations, heart palpitations and psychosis,
amongst others. If you are now taking any products containing
these ingredients and have experienced side effects, discontinue
the product immediately, and seek medical assistance.
The
list of products containing these ingredients is quite long. Check
your medicine cabinet and do not consume any supplements containing
PPA or ephedra. If you have experienced side effects from these
products, do not discard the package, as this may become valuable
evidence if you decide to litigate.
If
you have experienced severe side effects with permanent injury,
or a family member has died as a result of ingesting one of these
products, The Law Offices of Robert F. Brennan may be able to
assist you. Contact us to inquire
about your legal rights against manufacturers of products containing
PPA or ephedra (ma huang).
