What is fenfen and its purpose?

Fen-phen, also known as fenfluramine/phentermine, was a weight loss medication that combined two drugs: fenfluramine and phentermine. Fenfluramine was initially used for depression and later found to cause weight loss as a side effect. Phentermine is a stimulant that suppresses appetite. Together, they were used to enhance weight loss by reducing appetite and increasing energy expenditure.

The drug gained popularity due to its effectiveness in reducing appetite and helping with weight loss. However, it was discovered that fen-phen caused dangerous cardiovascular side effects, including valve diseases and pulmonary hypertension, particularly due to the fenfluramine component. This led to its withdrawal from the market. Fen-phen's legacy is significant as it raised awareness about the medical treatment of obesity and encouraged more serious scientific approaches to tackling the condition 1 2.