An estimated 5.8 million people took the dexfenfluramine and fenfluramine combination before the company voluntarily withdrew it from the market in 1997 after the FDA presented evidence that the drugs could cause heart valve damage. Since then, thousands of lawsuits have been filed nationwide. Advocates for plaintiffs' rights hailed the settlement. The settlement is being offered to anyone who used fen-phen, whether the individual has filed suit or not. Consumers will have 90 days following approval of the settlement to sign up for the benefits.
Individuals still have the right to opt out of the settlement and file their own suit.