Have you suffered severe side effects after taking the medication Mirapex?
Mirapex was approved by the FDA in 1997 to treat Parkinson’s Disease and is also used to treat Restless Leg Syndrome, also known as RLS. The clinical trials that were done on the medication listed several potential side effects, including heart failure, but researchers did not investigate further to determine the actual cause of the heart failure, and since its approval, many other studies have shown a significant increase in risk for heart failure for patients taking Mirapex.
The class of medications that includes Mirapex is called dopamine agnosists. Parkinson’s Disease has an adverse effect on dopamine levels in the brain, and Mirapex works by replacing the lost dopamine. Unfortunately, the risk of heart failure for patients on Mirapex is higher than people who are not on the medication. As recently as September of 2012, the FDA has published ongoing safety information regarding the risk of heart failure when on Mirapex.
Most common severe side effects linked to Mirapex
In addition to a higher risk of developing heart failure, patients who take Mirapex have developed compulsive behaviors that have turned into various addictions such as gambling addiction, shopping addiction, eating disorders, and sexual addictions. Other serious side effects that have been associated with the use of Mirapex are:
- Hallucinations
- Abnormal thoughts or dreams
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Muscle weakness
- Decreased sexual interest
- Loss of appetite
Do I have a case?
If you or someone you love were prescribed Mirapex for the treatment of Restless Leg Syndrome or Parkinson’s Disease and have suffered serious side effects, you may have a case. The next step is to contact us so our attorneys can review your situation and determine the best course of action.
I realize this article is from 2012 and perhaps the interest or buzz about the connection between Mirapex and compulsive behaviors, particularly gambling, but I can say with certainty that I have been damaged by the use of Mirapex, not only as it relates to gambling, but other compulsive behaviors. I started taking Mirapex in 2001 and was admitted to a rehab facility for gambling, compulsive shopping/spending and compulsive overeating in January 2014. I was completely unaware of any correlation between Mirapex and gambling until my admission to the rehab facility, where doctors advised me and weaned me off the drug. In addition, I believe the drug became addictive in and of itself. My RLS symptoms became worse such that my life was controlled by the drug. If I did not take it by 8:00 p.m. (and I could literally set my clock by that time), the symptoms became unbearable. My doctors have now said that my body was “searching for the drug” – classic addiction. If you are aware of any lawyers that would be interested in hearing more, I have plenty more to say.