Phenylpropanolamine & brain hemmoraging? UL?

[Jinx]

I saw an email claiming a whole host of OTC drugs we all have used for the common colds, for one, contains phenylpropanolamine which can cause brain hemmoraging? And, supposedly, there is some major recall? Is this a UL? I haven’t heard anything about this on the news (as of yet). Anyone have the SDope on this?

[Zabali_Clawbane]

Here is a Wikipedia article about the drug, and an information page which includes FDA findings on the drug.

@Wikipedia

A scientific study[1] found an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke in women who used phenylpropanolamine, although it is not clear which isomer is to blame. A study at the Yale University School of Medicine in 1999 had produced similar results. Reports of cases of hemorrhagic strokes in PPA users had been circulating since the 1970s.

<snip>

In November 2000, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a public health advisory[3] against the use of the drug. In this advisory, the FDA requested that all drug companies discontinue marketing products containing phenylpropanolamine. The agency estimates that PPA caused between 200 and 500 strokes a year among 18-to-49-year-old users. In 2005 the FDA removed phenylpropanolamine from over-the-counter sale[4]

@PPA Information page

Update - On December 22, 2005 the FDA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (notice) for over-the-counter (OTC) nasal decongestant and weight control products containing phenylpropanoloamine preparations. This proposed rule reclassifies phenylpropanolamine as nonmonograph (Category II) not generally recognized as safe and effective. Written and electronic comments and new data can be submitted by March, 22, 2006.

[KarlGauss]

The issue is still far from resolved. Look here for a most intriguing abstract from last year. One of the authors of that paper, Hennekens, is among the leading epidemiologists in the world. With around 600 peer-reviewed publications, he’s also one of the most prolific.

[Squink]

@KarlGauss

Hennekens, … With around 600 peer-reviewed publications, he’s also one of the most prolific.

That’s one a month for 50 years :eek:

[Jinx]

If www.Snopes.com is reliable, here is their take on this story. Obviously, I post this to share with the other SDopers, and not to answer my own question!

PPA Advisory Alert