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In this Article

• What is pramipexole (Mirapex)?
• What are the possible side effects of pramipexole (Mirapex)?
• What is the most important information I should know about pramipexole (Mirapex)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking pramipexole (Mirapex)?
• How should I take pramipexole (Mirapex)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Mirapex)?
• What happens if I overdose (Mirapex)?
• What should I avoid while taking pramipexole (Mirapex)?
• What other drugs will affect pramipexole (Mirapex)?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking pramipexole (Mirapex)?

Some people taking pramipexole have fallen asleep during normal daytime activities such as working, talking, eating, or driving. You may fall asleep suddenly, even after feeling alert. Tell your doctor if you have any problems with daytime sleepiness or drowsiness. If you are unsure of how this medicine will affect you, be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to pramipexole.

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication. Before you take pramipexole, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• narcolepsy (a sleep disorder);
• kidney disease; or
• tremors (dyskinesia) or uncontrolled muscle movements.

You may have increased sexual urges, unusual urges to gamble, or other intense urges while taking pramipexole. It is not known whether the medicine actually causes this effect. Talk with your doctor if you believe you have any intense or unusual urges while taking pramipexole.

Some people using medicines for Parkinson's disease have developed skin cancer (melanoma). However, people with Parkinson's disease may have a higher risk than most people for developing melanoma. Talk to your doctor about your specific risk and what skin symptoms to watch for. You may need to have regular skin exams.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether this medication is harmful to an unborn baby. Before you take pramipexole, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Pramipexole may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Pramipexole may cause hallucinations (the sensation of hearing or seeing something that is not there), most commonly among elderly people. Call your doctor if you have hallucinations.

How should I take pramipexole (Mirapex)?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

The dose and timing of pramipexole in treating Parkinson's disease is different from the dose and timing in treating RLS. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Pramipexole can be taken with or without food. Take the medication with food if it upsets your stomach.

If you are taking this medication for RLS, tell your doctor if your symptoms get worse, if they occur in the morning or earlier than usual in the evening, or if you feel restless symptoms in your hands or arms.

Do not stop using pramipexole without first talking to your doctor. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.

Store pramipexole at room temperature away from moisture and heat.