Canadian Man Sues Boehringer, Pfizer for Alleged Gambling Addiction from Mirapex Use

TORONTO, Canada - A Canadian man sued Boehringer Ingelheim and Pfizer Inc. on May 5, claiming the companies' Parkinson's disease drug, Mirapex, caused him to become a 'compulsive, obsessive' gambler, which led to bankruptcy. Gerard Schick v. Boehringer Ingelheim Ltd., et al. No. 05-cv-288-851 (Ontario Sup. Ct. of Justice.).

Plaintiff Gerard Schick, 56, was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in June 1996. In August 1999, he was prescribed Mirapex (pramipexole dihydrochloride) to treat his symptoms. He claims that soon after consuming the drug, he developed a 'compulsive, obsessive gambling addiction.'

Schick said he learned in December of the 'casual connection' between …