A UK health watchdog is investigating warnings that drugs used to treat Parkinson’s disease could cause side effects such as gambling and sex addiction.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said it would investigate whether further steps need to be taken to ensure patients have adequate information when prescribed a medicine used to treat Parkinson’s disease.
A group of drugs, known as dopamine agonists, are linked to a one in six chance of developing the impulse control disorder, according to the US-backed Parkinson’s Foundation.
Also used to treat restless legs syndrome, dopamine agonists have been linked to sex and Gambling Side effects.
Dr Alison Cave, MHRA’s chief safety officer, said the regulator is carrying out a “comprehensive assessment” to determine whether it needs to take regulatory action to raise awareness of the risk.
“Patient safety is our top priority,” he said.
“No medication is risk-free and dopamine agonists prescribed to impulse control disorder patients are a known risk. Our sympathies go out to those affected by any side effects from their use.”
Dr Cave said: “Patients should be told about these potential side effects by their healthcare professional and advised to talk to their doctor if they, their family or their carer notice any changes in behaviour.
“These drugs have improved the lives of many patients, but ultimately, doctors, together with their patients, must consider the advantages and disadvantages of the drug when deciding the most appropriate treatment.
“We encourage patients and healthcare professionals to report any suspected side effects they experience with these medicines to our Yellow Card scheme.
“We are conducting a comprehensive assessment of all available information to determine whether any regulatory action is needed to help raise awareness of these risks with patients and healthcare professionals in the UK.”
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The BBC has reported cases of people changing their behavior after using the drugs and developing life-changing addictions after taking the drug, without any prior history of such behaviour.
Parkinson’s UK states on its website that impulsive and compulsive behavior is a side effect of dopamine agonists.
The charity said the behavior could include things like gambling, sexual thoughts or urges and obsessive shopping.
It says that although these changes can occur with any Parkinson’s medication, “they are more common with dopamine agonists”.
