Pergolide and Heart Valve Problems: Could there be a Link?

Monday, January 20, 2003

Until now, the drug pergolide, which is prescribed for Parkinson's disease, restless legs syndrome and occasionally prescribed for other conditions, has not been linked to heart valve problems. However, in the December 2002 issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings researchers report that three patients who were receiving long-term pergolide therapy have now been diagnosed with valvular heart disease.

The three patients the researchers examined had thickening and leaking, or backward flow, affecting one or more heart valves, most notably the tricuspid valve. Heart valves usually allow blood to travel in one direction only. If heart valves develop significant leaking, impaired heart function and symptoms of heart failure may develop. The patients were seen between September and April 2002 at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. The patients — all women, ages 61, 72 and 74 — were not taking any other drugs that have been found to produce similar valvular disease, and all three were taking pergolide.

This is the first report of heart valve problems occurring among people taking pergolide, which has been available for prescription use since 1989.

Here are answers to questions patients taking pergolide may have about this study:

Should I stop taking pergolide immediately, in light of this study?

The researchers reporting this finding recommend that patients should discontinue taking pergolide only if valvular disease is detected and no other cause can be identified. This decision would need to be made upon the advice of your doctor. More studies are needed to determine the incidence of valvular disease and the spectrum of abnormalities seen with pergolide treatment.

Talk to your doctor at your next health care visit. If you don't have one scheduled, consider making an appointment.

Should I be tested for valvular disease if I am taking pergolide?

This is a decision that will need to be made in consult with your doctor.

What if I want to stop taking pergolide?

Please do not stop taking pergolide on your own. Rather, please speak with your doctor about this medication to assess any potential risks in your case.

What factors should my doctor and I discuss at my next visit?

You will want to discuss the pros and cons of taking this medication and whether you may want to consider an alternative.

Know that every treatment has benefits and risks. Discuss what they are for each of your options and then work with your doctor to decide what's best for you.

You also will want to talk to your doctor about whether you should consider an echocardiogram, an ultrasound examination used to look at the heart and heart valves..

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