A group of people with Parkinson’s Disease are taking two drug companies to court claiming their medication has caused them to become addicted to gambling and sex.
The group claim prescribed drug cabergoline – sold under the brand name Cabaser by Pfizer Australia and pergolide by Aspen Pharmacare Australia – caused them to develop a range of uncharacteristic addictive disorders.
The drug is prescribed to treat the tremors associated with the disease.
The group has filed claims at the Federal Court in Melbourne saying Pfizer Australia and Aspen Pharmacare Australia breached a duty of care to customers.
They claim the companies failed to thoroughly research the side effects of the drug and provide warnings about the increased risk of compulsive disorders.
It also claims the companies failed to withdraw the drug from sale after becoming aware of the risks.
Copyright Press Association 2010
