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Permax and Heart Valve Disease
Permax
According to a report by doctors at the Mayo Clinic, Permax
(pergolide) may be connected to heart valve disease. Pergolide,
which is sold as Permax, has been used since 1989 to treat
Parkinson's disease.
In three cases at the Mayo Clinic, three older women who
were taking Permax daily for three
to seven years were diagnosed with serious heart valve diseases.
Two of these women had to have valve replacement surgery.
Doctors at the Mayo Clinic say their evidence is enough to
recommend that anyone with heart problems not take pergolide.
More than 500,000 people have taken Permax since it was approved
by the FDA. The FDA has now contacted the drug's manufacturer
about the latest reports of heart valve disease, and has recommended
that the company change the labeling of pergolide.
Permax and Heart Valve Disease
Heart valve disease prevents valves from opening or closing
properly. Symptoms of valvular heart disease include swelling
of the feet and ankles, shortness of breath, and chest pain.
If it is not treated, valvular heart disease can progress
to the point where the patient may die from heart failure.
Permax and Heart Valve Disease
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