PPA, or phenylpropanolamine, was an ingredient used in many over-the-counter and prescription cough and cold medications and weight loss supplements. The FDA requested in 2000 that companies no longer include PPA in their products because of the increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke, especially in women.
PPA was a common ingredient in nasal decongestants and weight control supplements. Although the FDA has not banned the ingredient, it has recommended that patients understand the potential for injury and it has requested that companies remove the drug from their products. Check the list of ingredients on cold medicines and weight loss supplements for “phenylpropanolamine” to find out if the medication contains PPA.
PPA was a main ingredient in many cough, cold, decongestant and weight loss medications, both over-the-counter and prescription. PPA should be taken very cautiously, if at all. Talking to a doctor is the best way to protect against injury caused by PPA. People can check to see if PPA is an ingredient in their medication by looking for “phenylpropanolamine” on the list of ingredients, or by checking with their doctors. While PPA puts everyone at risk of stroke, the most at risk are women during the first three days of taking the medication.
PPA can cause hemorrhagic stroke, which can cause serious injury and be fatal. A hemorrhagic stroke is damage to the brain tissue from bleeding inside the skull.
You should contact your doctor if you are unsure whether products you are using contain PPA. You should also contact your doctor if you experience symptoms of a stroke, which include:
- severe headache
- loss of coordination, especially in one side of the body
- slurred speech
- difficulty concentrating
- nausea
- vomiting
- seizures
If you or a loved one was injured by PPA, contact a personal injury attorney immediately.