Draxis Health Inc. Warns of Risk of Heart Valve Problems From Permax Tablets

Apr 17, 2003 | Canadian Press Draxis Health Inc. issued a warning Thursday that a small number of heart valve problems has been associated with its Permax tablets, used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

"Of the estimated 500,000 people who have been treated with Permax, or pergolide mesylate) worldwide since 1989, heart valve problems have been reported very rarely, less than one in 20,000 patients," Draxis said in a release. "Symptoms of heart valve problems may vary depending on which valve is damaged, the severity of damage, how quickly the damage occurred and how well the heart adjusts to the increased workload."

Symptoms can include shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, chest pain or increased blood pressure, but in some cases patients who develop the problems may experience no symptoms.

People taking Permax who have any of those symptoms or a history of heart problems should contact a doctor. Working with Health Canada, Draxis has also contacted health-care professionals about the warning.