O'Connor Law

The New England Journal of Medicine has published two new studies that confirm that the Parkinson's drugs Permax (generic pergolide) and Dostinex (generic cabergoline) increase the risk of heart valve damage. Permax and Dostinex have also been prescribed to treat the tremors associated with restless leg syndrome. Permax is manufactured by Ili Lilly & Co. and Dostinex is manufactured by Pfizer, Inc. The type of heart valve damage these drugs cause is the same problem that led to the recall of the diet drug combination known as Phen-Fen.

In a study conducted in Great Britain, the medical records of over 11,000 patients showed that patients taking the highest doses of Permax had a 37 times greater risk of developing heart valve damage than those who took other drugs. The patients taking the highest doses of Dostinex had a 50.3 times greater risk of developing heart disease.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced Permax was withdrawn from the market in March 2007; Dostinex has not yet been recalled and carries only the precaution of heart valve damage.

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