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.