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.