Archived News

12/11/00
For Immediate Release

According to Yale University Researchers - Unexplained Strokes Linked to Diet Pill and Cold Remedy Ingredient

Portland, Oregon, December 11, 2000 - This cold season, Northwesterners should pay close attention to a study conducted by Yale University. The study found that women who take Phenylpropanolamine (PPA), an ingredient found in many over-the-counter diet drugs and cold medications, increased the risk of stroke 17 times among younger women who had taken compounds containing PPA within three days of their strokes.

A review of the Yale study has led Michael Williams and Leslie O'Leary, partners of the law firm Williams Love O'Leary & Powers, to conclude that a significant number of people, especially young women, may have suffered debilitating or deadly strokes after taking PPA. Says Williams, "According to the study, PPA has been linked to what are called hemorrhagic strokes, or bleeding in the brain. This is a type of stroke that does not ordinarily occur in people younger than fifty and unfortunately, often results in death or severe disability."

Williams' firm has already received inquiries from more than forty individuals around the country who have apparently suffered strokes while taking PPA-containing products. These cases are under active investigation by the nationally respected law firm, which specializes in cases involving dangerous medical and drug products.

Over six billion doses of PPA are sold in the United States annually. PPA has long been used in cold medications to reduce nasal congestion by narrowing the blood vessels. PPA also acts as an appetite suppressant for reasons that are not fully understood.

Based on the results of the Yale study, the Food and Drug Administration's scientific advisors deemed PPA unsafe. The FDA has yet to issue a formal ban, but the Washington Post has quoted the FDA's Lois La Grenade, who commented that the cases of stroke that have been reported to the FDA are, "literally the very tip of the iceberg."

PPA is found in various over-the-counter cold medications including Dimetapp, Robitussin, Alka Seltzer Cold, Comtrex and Triaminic. It is also an ingredient in appetite suppressants, including Dexatrim. Many brands only use PPA in some of their compounds, using other active ingredients in others. As a result, consumers cannot tell whether PPA is present just by reading the brand name.

"PPA is found in many over-the-counter appetite suppressants and cold medications. Consumers may be confused when trying to figure out whether a product they have at home contains PPA," says O'Leary. "Even more confusing, many brands sell different variations of the same brand name, some with PPA and some without."

To help reduce the confusion, Williams Love O'Leary & Powers has posted a list of products containing PPA on its website, www.WDOLaw.com. The website also has links to the Yale study on PPA, as well as other information. People who believe they or a loved one have been affected by a product containing PPA may visit www.WDOLaw.com and fill out a confidential questionnaire or call 1-800-842-1595.