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ADVISORY FROM THE PARKINSON'S DISEASE FOUNDATION ON THE USE OF TASMAR IN THE MANAGEMENT OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE New York, December 17 -- Following reports of liver function complications among people with Parkinson's who are taking the medication TASMAR, the manufacturer has written to doctors around the United States advising them, among other things, (i) to prescribe (or keep patients on) TASMAR only when other adjunctive therapies are not appropriate or when patients are not responding satisfactorily to other adjunctive therapies and (ii) for those patients who do continue using TASMAR, to increase the frequency of blood tests (from once every four weeks to once every two weeks) to monitor any changes that may occur in liver function. The manufacturer (Hoffmann La Roche) is also asking doctors to obtain written informed consent from patients who wish to continue using the medication. In the weeks since the announcement, I have had the opportunity to hear assessments of the situation from a variety of medical specialists, including several hepatologists (experts in liver function). On the basis of these conversations, I have concluded that under conditions of careful medical supervision and strict adherence to the new monitoring standards, TASMAR can be used safely. In cases where an elevation of liver function enzymes occurs, the drug should be discontinued. In those where it does not, and with strict monitoring, TASMAR can remain a useful option -- especially for those patients who cannot achieve satisfactory control of symptoms with any other medication. Taking into account all these developments, I believe there is no reason to advise wholesale abandonment -- or withdrawal -- of a medication that continues to be of benefit to some patients. All patients who are taking the drug -- and all who may be interested in considering it -- should seek an early opportunity to consult with their doctors and have the new findings evaluated in the context of their own medical condition and needs. Most important, they should arrange immediately for a laboratory test of their liver enzymes and be prepared to repeat such testing every two weeks. Stanley Fahn, M.D. Scientific Director, Parkinson's Disease Foundation Houston Merritt Professor of Neurology Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons [This is one of a series of occasional statements and advisories by the Parkinson's Disease Foundation on aspects of the management of Parkinson's disease. The initiative is part of the Foundation's continuing commitment to help interpret medical and scientific developments to people with Parkinson's and their families. If you have questions of Dr. Fahn or other PDF scientists concerning any of these statements, please direct them to the PDF using one of the following channels: mail: 710 West 168 Street, New York New York 10032; telephone: 1-800-457-6676; fax: 212-923-4778; e-mail: [log in to unmask]; website: pdf.org] Submitted by Robin Elliott, Executive Director, Parkinson's Disease Foundation