An Assessment of Heart-Valve Abnormalities in Obese Patients Taking Dexfenfluramine, Sustained-Release Dexfenfluramine, or Placebo

Abstract

The appetite-suppressant drug fenfluramine, usually given in combination with phentermine, has been reported to be associated with cardiac valvular regurgitation. Concern has been raised that the d-enantiomer of fenfluramine, dexfenfluramine, may also cause this problem. We were able to study the question by modifying an ongoing trial comparing sustained-release dexfenfluramine with regular dexfenfluramine and placebo.