Patients claim GPs did not tell them about significant potential side effects of treatment
Patients prescribed Ropinirole for Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) claim doctors failed to warn them of potential side effects like risky sexual behavior and compulsive gambling. The drug, a dopamine agonist, affects the brain's pleasure and reward center. While health guidance body Nice warns of these links, women report not being informed. GSK, the drug's manufacturer, knew of the connection to impulsive behaviors as early as 2003 but only included a warning about altered sexual interest in leaflets in 2007. Some patients experienced severe consequences, including debt and criminal behavior. GSK maintains the drug is effective and side effects are stated in prescribing information.
