As with any drug, there are accompanying side effects. People with Primary Pulmonary Hypertension may respond differently to medications that are meant to dilate and relax the blood vessels. Because no one drug can be consistent with every person in its efficacy to alleviate the symptoms, different drugs nonetheless have to be utilized before any long term treatment is prescribed. In addition, as with many medications, one may become resistant or develop severe reactions, in which case the amount and type of drug may have to be changed.

For those who suffer from Primary Pulmonary Hypertension, the only way to ascertain which drugs will be effective is to perform a cardiac catheterization. In this way, the PPH specialist can determine which medications have more of an effect on the heart and lungs of the affected individual. Further, they can also adjust the dosage to reduce any side effects incurred. Some of these side effects may include: low blood pressure, nausea, angina, or headaches.

In order to determine whether a drug is improving an individual's condition, both the pulmonary pressure and the amount of blood being pumped by the heart has to be evaluated. A decrease in pulmonary pressure alone, for example, does not necessarily mean that the individual is recovering. Cardiac output must either increase or remain unchanged. The desired response is a decrease in pressure and an increase in cardiac output. Once the individual has reached a stable condition, he or she can go home, returning every few weeks or months to the PPH specialist doctor for further check ups.

Individuals with Primary Pulmonary Hypertension can be treated with calcium channel blocking drugs given by mouth. By relaxing the smooth muscle in the walls of the heart and blood vessels, these calcium channel blockers improve the ability of the heart to pump blood. In addition, a vasodilator is helping some severely ill individuals who are unresponsive to treatment with calcium channel blockers.

These medicines enable the vessels in the lungs to expand and allow the blood to move through them with less resistance. The primary drugs in this category are prostacyclin, which is given as a continuous intravenous infusion, and treprostinil, which is given as a continuous infusion under the skin. Protstacyclin seems to improve Primary Pulmonary Hypertension and permit more physical activity. It is sometimes used as a bridge to help those patients waiting for a transplant, while in other cases it is used for long-term treatment.

Studies have indicated, however, that certain drugs to cause side effects, specifically the drug Tracleer. The side effects include: nasal stuffiness, flushing, headache, hypotension, fainting, and abnormal elevation of liver function blood tests. The most important side effect has been elevation of liver function tests and as a result, liver function tests should be monitored monthly in individuals receiving Tracleer.

It should be noted that no one has yet developed permanent liver damage, and so far, all abnormal liver function tests have returned to normal after discontinuing Tracleer.

Another drug, which was used in the treatment of Primary Pulmonary Hypertension and caused severe side effects, was the drug Flolan. These side effects included: nausea, vomiting, headache, low blood pressure, chest pain, anxiety, dizziness, abdominal pain, and musculoskeletal pain.

Remodulin, a drug used in the treatment of Primary Pulmonary Hypertension, also produced side effects including: headache, jaw pain, vomiting, nausea and diarrhea. The most serious side effect of this particular drug is pain associated with the insertion and presence of the metal tube inserted under the skin. Moreover, a separate prescription for pain relief has to be prescribed to ease the pain.

It should be noted here that Flolan is chemically similar to Remodulin but they are not identical. Both are prostacyclins, and both are injections requiring an electronic portable pump. Flolan is given by a continuous 24/7 intravenous infusion into a surgically placed catheter into a vein under the collarbone, while Remodulin is given by a continuous infusion directly into the skin as mentioned above.

Considering the amount of medications used for Primary Pulmonary Hypertension, which has been directly related to the use of Fen-Phen, and for which a variety of side effects can be associated with these different drugs, it seems appropriate to contact a PPH attorney who not only specializes in pharmaceutical litigation, but one that is more than knowledgeable on the drug Fen-Phen as well. Moreover, any individual who has used Fen-Phen, and for which no symptoms have yet become apparent, should also seek the advice of a PPH attorney.

It is painfully clear that any individual who has taken Fen-Phen will become affected by Primary Pulmonary Hypertension within the next 10 years. Thus, seeking monetary and punitive damages through the capable hands of a PPH attorney is the thing one can do to ensure the obvious costs of medications and possibly surgery will be remunerated by such legal action.