Not sure if this is new news or not, but thought I'd share: taken from rlshelp.org
A new study published in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings (Mayo Clin Proc, 2002;77:1280-1286) has just revealed 3 cases of valvular heart disease from Permax. This is similar to what was seen in the past with the diet drug Phen Fen (from the fenfluramine part). Permax is an ergot-derived drug which is a class of drug that has been known to cause valvular heart disease. Although it is to early to know whether there is a significant concern for all patients taking this drug, patients on this drug should see their doctor and an echocardiogram (the best test to see if any valvular heart damage is occurring) should be considered.
In addition, there are several case reports of Pulmonary Fibrosis (scarring of the lungs) caused by Permax. The latest article is in Clinical Neuropharmacology, Vol 25, No. 5, pages 290-293. This problem with Pulmonary Fibrosis should also be considered when using Permax for long periods of time.