Thread: Permax...Health Canada orders Parkinson drug associated with heart problem off market
View Single Post
Old 08-17-2007, 10:50 AM
Stitcher's Avatar
Stitcher Stitcher is offline
Magnate
  
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,136
15 yr Member
Stitcher Stitcher is offline
Magnate
Stitcher's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,136
15 yr Member
Default Permax...Health Canada orders Parkinson drug associated with heart problem off market
Thursday, August 16, 2007

Health Canada orders Parkinson drug associated with heart problem off market
http://www.mytelus.com/ncp_news/arti...icleID=2738713

TORONTO (CP) - Health Canada is ordering a drug used for treatment of Parkinson's disease off the market.

The department has told maker Eli Lilly that sales of the drug Permax (pergolide mesylate) must cease as of Aug. 30. Studies have shown the drug can cause serious heart valve damage in some users.

Eli Lilly voluntarily withdrew the drug from the U.S. market in late March after studies in the New England Journal of Medicine underscored the valve problem risk.

Health Canada says there are alternatives to Permax available to people with Parkinson's disease.

It suggests patients on the drug should be gradually weaned off it under the care of their doctors.

Permax is the subject of several class action suits filed by people who claim the drug triggered compulsive behaviours like uncontrollable gambling.
__________________
You're alive. Do something. The directive in life, the moral imperative was so uncomplicated. It could be expressed in single words, not complete sentences. It sounded like this: Look. Listen. Choose. Act. ~~Barbara Hall

I long to accomplish a great and noble tasks, but it is my chief duty to accomplish humble tasks as though they were great and noble. The world is moved along, not only by the mighty shoves of its heroes, but also by the aggregate of the tiny pushes of each honest worker. ~~Helen Keller
Stitcher is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote