PPA (Phenylpropanolamine), (pronounced "fen-el-pro-pa-nol-a-mine") was at one time a popular ingredient in prescription and over-the-counter medications and diet pills. Although it has since been ordered off the shelves by the FDA, several products containing PPA may still be found in the personal medicine cabinets of many Americans. The product is a class of drugs that stimulates the sympathetic nervous system. Similar in action to amphetamines and cocaine, PPA can constrict blood vessels and increase the force of heart contractions.

For over 20 years PPA was available to consumers despite links made to hemorrhagic strokes. The FDA action still did not come until just over a year after a study that was sponsored by the drug industry associated the use of PPA to an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke. The deadliest form of stroke, hemorrhagic stroke is a blood vessel rupture in the brain that kills more than a third of all victims within a month and leaves more than a third of survivors with severe disabilities.

Even as far back as 1982, an FDA report warned of PPA risks, including cardiovascular effects, cerebral hemorrhage, and cardiac arrhythmias.

When the FDA finally did recommend a PPA withdrawal, over 100 PPA products were removed, including many popular cough and cold medicines, as well as appetite suppressants. Criticized for the delay in recommending the PPA removal, the FDA responded by saying the PPA industries arguments delayed the final report.

The FDA has concluded that the risks of using PPA outweigh the benefits and has recommended that consumers no longer use products containing PPA.

If you or a loved one has been injured while taking medication containing PPA, please submit the accompanying form. You may be entitled to monetary awards for your injury!