The commonly referred to "Fen-Phen" drug is actually a combination of two prescription drugs, fenfluramine and phentermine. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) originally approved these drugs many years ago as short-term appetite suppressants for the treatment of obesity. However, some doctors began to the prescribe the drugs together for extended periods of time, as part of larger programs to deal with obesity. However, after studies showed the Fen-Phen was causing heart valve problems in a number of patients, the FDA requested that the drugs be voluntarily recalled in 1997, and recommended that all consumers using the drugs to stop taking them. The heart valve problems and resulting recall have caused hundreds of lawsuits to be filed, as well as a nationwide class action lawsuit that was ultimately settled in 2002. If you or a loved one has experienced serious side effects as a result of taking Fen-Phen, your claims may be impacted by the class action lawsuit, and/or you may have the right to file an individual claim for compensation.