Evidence of Permax heart valve damage has increased following a new study published in the March 2007 issue of the medical journal Archives of Neurology. This study provides further support of the problems linked to Permax. Heart valve damage was found to increase with long-term use of the drug. The purpose of this study was to compare Permax patients with those treated with the drugs Mirapex and Requip.



The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) first became aware of Permax heart valve injury problems in 2002. Permax (peroglide) has been on the market since 1989. Permax has been prescribed to treat Parkinson's patients and people suffering from Restless Legs Syndrome. A black box warning was added to the drug's label in 2006 as a result of increasing concern over Permax heart valve damage side effects.

Recent studies were conducted in Britain and Italy to evaluate serious concerns that Permax heart valve damage occurred with long-term use of the drug. In the British study, 11,417 people were given Permax. The test subjects were 37 times more likely to develop heart problems. The Italian study involved 155 Parkinson's patients who were taking Permax. Heart valve damage was reported in 23.4% of the people taking the drug in that study.

The Mayo Clinic has also reported problems with Permax heart valve injury. According to a report by doctors at the Mayo Clinic, three patients who took Permax for three to seven years suffered serious heart valve damage. Two of the patients had significant heart damage requiring valve replacement surgery. The Mayo Clinic doctors recommended that given the dangers associated with Permax, patients with heart problems should not take the drug.

Permax heart valve damage symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath and swelling of the feet and ankles. In some cases, patients with serious heart valve injuries can require heart valve replacement or if left untreated, the patient may suffer heart failure resulting in death.

Heart valve damage inhibits valves from opening or closing. There are two primary types of heart valve disease. Stenosis (obstruction) occurs when a valve opening becomes narrowed, making it difficult do pump blood throughout the body. Regurgitation (insufficiency) is when a valve is prevented from completely closing causing the blood to leak backward instead of flowing forward.

On March 29, 2007, following the increasing evidence of Permax heart valve damage problems, the FDA announced a Permax recall. In light of the recall, the FDA is prompting patients currently taking the drug to discuss alternative treatment options with their doctor and monitor for possible Permax heart valve injury problems.