Health officials to examine if drugs used to treat Parkinson’s can lead to addiction issues | UK News
A UK health watchdog is investigating warnings that drugs used to treat Parkinson’s disease can cause side effects such as gambling and sex addictions. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said it would examine if more steps are needed to ensure patients have enough information when prescribed the drug, used to treat Parkinson’s disease. A group of drugs, known as dopamine agonists, have been linked to a one in six chance of developing an impulse control disorder, according to the US-backed Parkinson’s Foundation. Also used to treat Restless Leg Syndrome, dopamine agonists have been linked to the sex and gambling side effects. Image: MHRA reviews dopamine agonists. Pic: iStock Dr Alison Cave, MHRA chief safety officer, said the regulator was carrying out a “comprehensive assessment” to determine if it needed to take regulatory action to increase awareness of the risk. “Patient safety is our top priority,” she said. “No medicine is risk-free and impulse control disorders are a known risk for patients prescribed dopamine agonists. Our sympathies are with those affected by any …
