Permax Side Effects

Mobile, Alabama

Permax, (generic pergolide), is used to treat Parkinson's disease, restless leg syndrome (RLS), and migraines. It was pulled from the market in March, 2007 because it has been linked to heart valve damage.

Permax, made by Valeant Pharmaceuticals, is in a class of drugs called ergot-derived dopamine receptor agonists. The diet drug Fen-phen, also an ergot, was pulled from the market in 1997 because it, too, was linked to heart valve disease. Permax works by acting in place of dopamine to help the brain control movement.

History of Permax Dangers

Permax became available in the United States in 1989. In 2003, Eli Lilly issued a "Dear Health Care Professional" letter warning of the possible link between Permax and heart valve disease, and added the warning to its label. In 2006 the warning was upgraded to a black box warning. Black box warnings are reserved for drugs which carry a risk for serious or life threatening adverse effects.

In January, 2007, the New England Journal of Medicine published two new studies which showed that Permax and Dostinex (cabergoline) may cause heart valve problems. Dostinex is used to treat Parkinson's disease in Europe, but in the U.S. is approved only for treatment of hyperprolactinemic disorders. One of the studies showed that Permax users were five to seven times more likely to have leaky heart valves than those taking other Parkinson's medications. A second study showed that one-fourth of Parkinson's patients taking Permax had moderate to severe heart valve problems.

Heart Valve Damage

Leaky heart valves can eventually lead to heart failure, and in some cases surgery is required to correct the condition. Many people are unaware that they have suffered heart valve damage because symptoms are not experienced until the condition has progressed for many years Symptoms include:

Fatigue
Exhaustion
Light-headedness
Fainting
Heart palpitations
Rapid or irregular pulse
Heart murmur
Chest pain
Cough
Shortness of breath during exertion or when lying down
Excessive urination
Swollen feet or ankles

Permax is no longer being shipped, but some supply is still available in pharmacies. If you are taking Permax, you cannot simply stop taking the drug. You must consult with your physician and either begin alternative treatment or get off of the drug gradually. Sudden cessation of Permax can cause dangerous side effects including, but not limited to:

Hallucinations
Confusion
Loss of consciousness
Muscle stiffness
Sweating
Rapid heartbeat
Fever
Incontinence

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with heart valve dysfunction or suffered serious side effects associated with Permax use, you may be entitled to compensation. A heart valve disorder is a life-threatening health condition which often requires surgery.

If you or a loved one has suffered heart valve damage after taking Permax, please contact our Mobile, Alabama Permax side effects attorneys today to arrange a free, no-obligation consultation.

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