fen-phen

noun
\ ˈfen-ˌfen How to pronounce fen-phen (audio) \

Definition of fen-phen

1 : a former diet drug combination of phentermine with either fenfluramine or dexfenfluramine

called also phen-fen

2 : an herbal preparation typically containing ephedra and Saint-John's-wort that was used as an appetite suppressant until one of its ingredients (ephedra) was banned in the U.S. by the FDA in 2004 Herbal fen-phen users who take a cough or cold remedy containing decongestants, which are similar in action to ephedra, are unwittingly double-dosing on stimulants.— Richard Harkness

First Known Use of fen-phen

1993, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for fen-phen

fenfluramine + phentermine

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for fen-phen

fen-phen

noun
\ ˈfen-ˌfen How to pronounce fen-phen (audio) \

Medical Definition of fen-phen

1 : a former diet drug combination of phentermine with either fenfluramine or dexfenfluramine that was used as an appetite suppressant in the treatment of obesity but was voluntarily withdrawn from the market in 1997 due to its association with heart disease

called also phen-fen

2 : an herbal preparation typically containing ephedra and Saint-John's-wort that was used as an appetite suppressant until one of its ingredients (ephedra) was banned in the U.S. by the FDA in 2004

called also phen-fen