Permax is a drug prescribed for the treatment of Parkinson's disease - a progressive neurological disorder that results from the degeneration of neurons in a region of the brain that controls movement. This degeneration creates a shortage of dopamine, causing the motor function impairments that characterize Parkinson's. Permax has been approved for treatment of Parkinson's since 1989. Since its approval, Permax has been prescribed to more than 500,000 people for the control of tremors and restless leg syndrome.
In December 2002, cardiologists at the Mayo Clinic reported valvular heart disease in three clinic patients who had been taking Permax for several years. All three patients had severe tricuspid regurgitation or "leakage" with regurgitation in the aortic and/or mitral valves. The valvular heart disease found in these patients is similar to the damage found in patients who took the Fen-Phen/Redux diet drugs.
On April 28, 2004, results from a larger study performed by researchers from the University of Texas Southwest Medical Center found a threefold increased risk of heart valve damage among patients who used Permax.
Symptoms of valvular heart disease include shortness of breath, chest pain, palpitations, fatigue, and swelling of the feet and ankles. Some patients with heart valve problems have no symptoms at all. An echocardiogram is usually done to determine whether an individual suffers from abnormal valvular regurgitation.
Articles on Permax Heart Valve Problems
Permax: Up to 37 Times the Risk of Valvular Heart Disease
It's enough of a challenge to deal with the symptoms, and the reality of Parkinson's disease, without the thought that Permax the very drug helping to manage your Parkinson's, could instead attack your healthy heart.
Doctors Weigh in on Permax Recall
On March 29, 2007, the FDA withdrew Permax(pergolide) from the market because it increases the risk of valvular heart disease. It was the right thing to do, according to leading research physicians.
Permax led to Leaky Heart Valve
Business as Usual for Permax Distributor
Permax Permanently Off but too Late for Many
FDA Finally Yanks Permax Off the US Market
Permax Pulled from the Market
Permax: Parkinson's Patients Suffer Even More
Experts Predict Many Cases of Permax Heart Valve Damage
Permax Linked to Heart Valve Leakage
Permax Heart Valve Damage in the News:
APR-02-07: Health Canada informs Canadians that
Permax, has been withdrawn from the U.S. market due to concerns about
heart valve damage. [
EMAX HEALTH: PERMAX HEART VALVE DAMAGE]
MAR-29-07: The US Food and Drug Administration announced that manufacturers of pergolide drug products, which are used to treat Parkinson's disease, will voluntarily remove drugs from the market because of the risk of serious damage to patients' heart valves.
Permax is being withdrawn as well as two generic versions of pergolide manufactured by Par and Teva. [
UNITED PRESS INTERNATIONAL: PERMAX]
FEB-18-07:
Permax (peroglide) has been found to
damage heart valves and is potentially fatal, especially among patients suffering from heart ailments. [
MALTA TODAY: PERMAX]
JAN-04-07: New studies reveal
Permax Parkinson's drugs can cause heart valve disease. [
EARTHTIMES: PERMAX]
JAN-03-07: Italian researchers found 25% of Parkinson's patients taking pergolide (
Permax) or cabergoline (Dostinex) had moderate to severe heart valve problems. Another study by German doctors found users of either drug were up to seven times more likely to have leaky heart valves than those on other types of Parkinson's medications. Valve replacement surgery is the only solution for patients with heart valve problems. Moderate to severe valve problems were seen in 23% of those on pergolide and nearly 29% of those on cabergoline, but none of those on other Parkinson's drugs. [
MSNBC NEWS: PERMAX]
If you or someone you know has taken Permax, and developed any of the symptoms of valvular heart disease, it is important that you promptly contact your physician for a complete examination.
Permax Legal Help
If you are diagnosed with valvular heart disease, concerned about a possible Permax-related valve injury, or if you are just seeking information, please click the link below to submit your complaint. There are statutes of limitations governing these claims, and so you should act promptly to protect your rights.
