Parkinson's drugs risky

Eddie Farah

Attorney
(866) 735-1102 Ext 415

0 CommentsPrint ArticleSubscribe

Research studies by both Italians and Germans on certain drugs taken by Parkinson's patients significantly increased the risk of heart valve damage.

As reported in the New England Journal of Medicine, the Italian study revealed Pergolide or cabergoline, sold as Permax, Dostinex and other brands, presented moderate to severe problems. The German doctors advise users of either drug were five to seven times more likely to have leaky heart valve leakages over other products.

Although these medicines are not used as a main treatment of Parkinson's, Pergolide is used to treat RLS (restless legs syndrome).

Permax is taken by millions of patients over the past 14 years. In 2003, Eli Lilly & Co, listed valve damage as a potential side effect on the package insert.

A lack of dopamine, a brain chemical causes Parkinson's disease and affects approximately 1.5 million Americans.