Permax to be Pulled from Market

Christina Cole

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Permax, a drug used by thousands of patients that suffer with Parkinson's disease, is being recalled and pulled from the market due to reports of heart valve damage caused by the drug.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says that pergolide, sold under the name Permax, is also available in generic form is being recalled at the agency's request.

An FDA official says other drugs can act as a substitution. He estimates that there are currently 12,025 patients that use the drug. 14 of these patients have needed to have a heart valve replacement, but officials believe that estimate to be higher.

Patients have been advised to not stop taking the drug abruptly, first consult your medical doctor about a medication switch or a gradual reduction for your safety.