Dangerous Drugs:
Permax / Dostinex
 Bookmark Bookmark RSS RSS
Adjust font size:

Permax and Dostinex Linked to Heart Valve Damage

Two new studies published in the New England Journal of Medicine (January 3, 2007) confirm that the use of the Parkinson's drugs Permax (pergolide) and Dostinex (cabergoline) increase the risk of heart valve damage. This is the same type of heart damage that led to the withdrawal of the diet drug combination fen-phen.

Permax and Dostinex are also prescribed to treat the tremors associated with restless leg syndrome.

The studies revealed that patients who take Permax, manufactured by Eli Lilly & Co., and Dostinex, manufactured by Pfizer, Inc., had a much higher risk of heart valve damage than those taking other therapies.

One of the studies, which looked at the medical records of 11,417 patients in Britain, showed that patients taking the highest doses of pergolide (Permax) had a 37 times greater risk of developing heart valve damage than those who took other medicines.

Additionally, the patients taking the highest doses of cabergoline (Dostinex) had a 50.3 times greater risk of developing heart valve damage.

The other study tested 245 Italian patients, of whom 155 had Parkinson's disease. Of these patients, 23.4 percent of those taking pergolide (Permax) and 28.6 percent of those taking cabergoline (Dostinex) suffered heart damage compared to just 5.6 percent in the control group.

Both drugs are in the class of medications known as dopamine agonists. They activate a cellular receptor known as 5-HT2b that can cause damage to the heart valve. This is a serious condition than can lead to heart failure and sudden death.

Dr. Bryan Roth, who commented on these studies in the New England Journal of Medicine, said in the article that “on the basis of these findings, he and his colleagues are urging pharmaceutical companies and regulatory agencies to screen drugs for 5-HT2b receptors comprehensively before launching clinical trials in order to prevent “fen-phen”-type disasters.”

Note - Do not change medications without first consulting your doctor.
Free Case Evaluation
Free Case Evaluation
Free Case Evaluation

If you or someone you know has used Permax or Dostinex and has suffered any serious side effects, such as heart damage, contact us.

We can help you understand your rights and options, and seek compensation for your injuries. Please fill out the form below for a free evaluation of your case or call us at 1-800-275-0192.

The information you provide will only be used in accordance with our terms and conditions. By submitting this form, you certify that you agree to our terms and conditions and want us to contact you regarding your inquiry.

* denotes required fields
Title
First Name
Middle Initial
Last Name
Address
Address Cont.
City
State
Zip Code
Phone Number (day)
Phone Number (eve)
E-mail
If this inquiry is not for yourself, please tell us the name of the person.
Title
First Name
Middle Initial
Last Name
What is this person's relationship to you?
Injured's date of birth:  [None] Select a Date Delete the Date
Have you taken Permax?

Have you taken Dostinex?

 Yes No
Why was it prescribed?
What were the dates of use?
In what city and state was the medication prescribed?
Do you have proof of taking Permax, such as a prescription bottle, pharmacy record or records from your doctor? Yes No
After taking Permax, were you diagnosed with heart valve damage? Yes No
After taking Permax, were you diagnosed with other heart damage? Yes No
If yes, what was the date of diagnosis?
What other complications, if any, did you experience after taking Permax?
Did this condition exist before taking Permax? Yes No
Do you/Injured currently have an attorney helping you with this matter? Yes No
Please briefly describe your legal issues and needs.
In This Section:
Overview