Parkinson's disease drug pulled from market

The FDA pulled a Parkinson's drug from the market after reports of heart valve damage in more than a dozen patients. Pergolide is sold under the name Permax and is believed to raise the risk of heart valve damage by 20 percent. The FDA says other drugs can serve as substitutes, but Parkinson's patients are urged to consult a doctor before switching drugs.

Meanwhile, a Perrysburg mother is doing what she can to raise awareness about early onset Parkinson's disease. Kelly Maurer was diagnosed seven years ago at the age of 33. She takes several different medicines to keep her tremors and other symptoms under control. Kelly does not, however, take Permax.

Parkinson's is a progressive disease for which there is no cure. Kelly knows her symptoms have gotten worse through the years. "People that see me every day don't notice it so much, but I would say the people who see me every few months, once a year, notice the difference." Kelly's doctor says he's very pleased with how her medicines are managing her symptoms right now. Dr. Lawrence Elmer at the University of Toledo says half a dozen new drugs are being studied right now as potenitial Parkinson's treatments down the line.

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