Health Canada (similar to the U.S. version of the FDA) is informing Canadians that Permax has been withdrawn from the U.S. market because of concerns with cardiac valvulopathy, a condition involving inflammation or stiffening of the heart valves. Permax (a brand name of the drug pergolide) has been marketed in Canada since 1991 for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. The risk of heart valve problems has been known for awhile and is listed in the current labelling.
Two new studies regarding the risk of heart valve problems associated with Permax were published in January 2007. Health Canada is in the process of reviewing these studies and other information to determine further action regarding Permax.
Results of a Permax review will be communicated to the Canadian public and healthcare providers as soon as it is available.
See: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=67251&nfid=rssfeeds
