Cabaser legal action

A Melbourne law firm Arnold Thomas & Becker has launched a group claim against two drug companies which market commonly prescribed dopamine agonists in Australia. The firm represents several Parkinson's sufferers who allege that they became pathological gamblers as a result of being prescribed cabergoline for their condition. Cabergoline is sold under the brand name Cabaser in UK and in Australia.

Cabaser is often used as the first line of treatment for Parkinson's sufferers under 65. The drug restores the imbalance of the chemical dopamine, which controls the body's movement. It also turns on the reward centres in the brain. The drug may lead to compulsive behaviours by over stimulating or sensitising these reward systems.

There has been recent legal action in the United States against other drug companies that have marketed another brand of dopamine agonist which has produced evidence that manufacturers may have been aware of these possible side effects as early as 1994. In 2003, a neurologist in America published a study in a neurology journal which highlighted the link. It wasn't until 2006 and 2007 that precautionary statements about gambling and increased libido and sexuality in patients being treated with Cabaser was circulated to doctors in Australia.

Consumer information on the drug still contains no word of warning about gambling or other compulsive behaviour in the list of possible adverse side effects.

If you or someone you know has been affected by the cabergoline drug, we may be able to help claim compensation. Fill in our online claims form for free advice.