Parkinson’s Disease sufferers have recently been awarded compensation from Pfizer due to a drug’s side effects. The company failed to warn patients that the drug may cause impulse control disorders like problem gambling, and will be paying out millions of dollars to 160 Australians. Between 1996 and 2010, over a hundred Australians took a drug called Cabaser to control tremors caused by restless leg syndrome and Parkinson’s.
Pfizer, the company that manufactured the drug, failed to inform the patients that loss of impulse control could be a potential side effect of Cabaser. Many patients who took the drug started engaging in impulsive behaviour, exhibiting signs of probem gambling, hypersexuality and shopping addiction. These patients had no previous history of addiction, and their development of impulse control disorders were linked to the drug.
‘Dopamine agonist’ drugs like Cabaser offer the same effect as dopamine, helping the patient to reclaim control over their own movements. However, dopamine also produces a ‘rush’ that has been connected with risky and addictive behaviour. Patients were not warned about these potential side effects, and blame Pfizer for the resultant addictions.
In some cases, patients spent thousands of dollars on poker machines while taking the drug. According to The Age, 65-year-old Pat Galea lost over lost $700 000 on poker machines while taking Cabaser to treat his restless leg syndrome. He used the proceeds from the sale of his home and sold his car to fund his addiction. Over a hundred other Cabaser-users found themselves engaging in similarly addictive behaviour.
A spokesperson from Pfizer Australia stated that the parties involved in the case reached a settlement. However, the deal is subject to approval by the Federal Court.
We will keep you updated as the situation develops.
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