Health officials to investigate potential link between Parkinson’s drugs and addiction issues

The UK health watchdog is reviewing whether warnings on Parkinson’s drugs should be strengthened after links to gambling and sex addictions.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said it would examine whether more steps are needed to ensure patients have enough information when prescribed the drugs 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 sex and gambling side effects.

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 side effects from their use.

“Patients must be told about these possible side effects by their healthcare professional and advised to speak to their doctor if they, their family or their carer notices any behavioural changes.

“These medicines have improved many patients’ lives, but ultimately, doctors, together with their patients, must weigh up the pros and cons of the medicine when deciding on 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’re carrying out a comprehensive assessment of all available information to determine whether any regulatory action is required to help raise further awareness of these risks with patients and healthcare professionals in the UK.”

The BBC has reported cases of people changing behaviour after using the drugs and developing life-changing addictions after taking the medication, without any prior history of such behaviour.

Parkinson’s UK said on its website that impulsive and compulsive behaviours are a side effect of dopamine agonists.

The charity said the behaviours can include things like gambling, sexual thoughts or urges, and obsessive shopping.

It said that while these changes can happen with any Parkinson’s drug, they are more common with dopamine agonists.