FDA Reviews Mirapex for Heart Failure Risk

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a safety announcement regarding a potential health hazard posed by Mirapex (pramipexole), which is used to treat Parkinson’s disease and restless legs syndrome.

The FDA says recent studies suggest that the drug may increase the risk of potential heart failure in users but that further research is needed. The agency says it is working with manufacturer Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc. to clarify the risk of heart failure.

The FDA is conducting an ongoing safety review of the drug and will issue an update as more information is available.

Meanwhile, the agency advises patients to contact a health care professional if they suffer from any symptoms of heart failure while taking Mirapex including:

• Shortness of breath – with exercise or at rest

• Swelling of the feet, ankles, legs, or abdomen

• Fatigue and weakness

• Rapid or irregular heart beat

• Chest pain

• Persistent cough or wheezing with white or pink blood-tinged phlegm

Patients have reported swelling of the ankles and/or feet without other signs of heart failure while taking Mirapex.

The FDA has alerted physicians and patients that it has not halted the use of the drug and patients should continue to use it as prescribed and talk to their doctor about their concerns.

If you or someone you know has been harmed by a dangerous drug, contact Sokolove Law for free legal consultation and to find out if a dangerous drugs lawyer may be able to help you.

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