In January 2007, two new studies were published, each linking Permax use with a greater risk of heart-valve problems. In a study published in a January 2007 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, Italian researchers found that roughly one-fourth of Parkinson’s patients taking Permax had moderate to severe heart problems. A second study, by German doctors, found that users of the drug were five to seven times more likely to have leaky heart valves than those on other types of Parkinson’s medications.

The Italian study tested 245 patients, of whom 155 had Parkinson’s disease. Of these patients, about 24 percent of those taking Permax suffered heart damage, compared to just 5 percent of the control group. The German study, which involved 11,417 patients, showed that those taking the highest doses of Permax had a 37 times greater risk of developing heart valve damage than those taking other medicines.

Permax (generic name: pergolide mesylate) apparently activates the 5-HT2b cellular receptor, which can cause heart valve damage and lead to heart failure and sudden death. These findings which reveal serious, life-threatening side effects, may one day lead to a Permax recall.

At the time the research was published, Valeant Pharmaceuticals, manufacturer of Permax, issued a statement calling the drug safe and effective for Parkinson's. However, the company also stated that it no longer promoted the drug, which was originally made by Eli Lilly.

Cardiologists from the Mayo Clinic have also found that Permax causes heart-valve damage and have recommended that anyone with heart problems not take any form of pergolide. In addition, the doctors have stated, "Pergolide should be discontinued if valvular disease is detected and no other cause identified."

Known side effects of Permax:

Pergolide, which is sold as Permax and other drugs – also is used to treat restless legs syndrome.

Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that often impairs the sufferer’s motor skills and speech. About 1.5 million Americans and 6 million people worldwide have Parkinson's disease. It is caused by a lack of the brain chemical, dopamine. The main treatment is levodopa, which spurs the body to make more dopamine. Pergolide is often given in addition to that drug or in place of it, especially if symptoms worsen over time.

Contact a Permax lawyer at our firm if you have taken Permax or pergolide and have suffered heart valve damage.

At Brown & Crouppen our experienced team of Permax lawyers provides tough, aggressive representation for Permax victims and their families. When you choose us to handle your Permax lawsuit, our entire team becomes fully committed to your cause. We’ll find answers, hold negligent companies responsible and get you the compensation you deserve.

Brown & Crouppen can help you make informed decisions about your legal rights, so please call Brown & Crouppen at Toll-Free: 866-991-4700 for your free legal consultation or save time with our online Contact Form.

Please consult your physician before discontinuing any medication.

Call Brown & Crouppen at Toll-Free: 866-991-4700 for your free legal
consultation or save time with our online Contact Form.

Toll-Free: 866-991-4700