Diet medications and valvular heart disease: the current evidence.

Author(s): Barasch A, Safford MM

Affiliation(s): University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, USA. barasaff@cs.com

Publication date & source: 2002-05, Spec Care Dentist., 22(3):108-14.

Publication type: Meta-Analysis

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 As a result, the drugs have been withdrawn from the market and interim recommendations for evaluation and treatment of exposed patients were issued.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.