Mirapex ER (Pramipexole Dihydrochloride Extended-Release Tablets) Drug Overview and Uses for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Mirapex ER

Parkinson's Disease »

What is Parkinson's disease?

Parkinson's disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder and the most common movement disorder. It is characterized by progressive loss of muscle control, which leads to trembling of the limbs and head while at rest, stiffness, slowness, and impaired balance. As symptoms worsen, it may become difficult to walk, talk, and complete simple tasks.

The progression of Parkinson's disease and the degree of impairment vary from individual to individual. Many people with Parkinson's disease live long productive lives, whereas others become disabled much more quickly. Premature death is usually due to complications such as falling-related injuries or pneumonia.

In the United States, about 1 million people are affected by Parkinson's disease and worldwide about 5 million. Most individuals who develop Parkinson's disease are 60 years of age or older. Parkinson's disease occurs in approximately 1% of i...

Read the Parkinson's Disease article »

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Mirapex ER Consumer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

PRAMIPEXOLE EXTENDED-RELEASE - ORAL

(PRAM-i-PEX-ole)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Mirapex

USES: Pramipexole is used alone or with other medications to treat Parkinson's disease. It can improve your ability to move and can decrease shakiness (tremor), stiffness, slowed movement, and unsteadiness. It may also decrease the number of episodes of not being able to move ("on-off syndrome").

Pramipexole is a dopamine agonist that works by helping to restore the balance of a certain natural substance (dopamine) in the brain.

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking pramipexole and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Swallow this medication whole. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Take this medication by mouth with or without food, as directed by your doctor. Taking this medication with food may reduce nausea. To decrease the risk of side effects (such as drowsiness, low blood pressure) when you first start taking pramipexole, your doctor will slowly increase your dosage until the best dose for you is reached. Take this medication as prescribed.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day. Do not increase your dose or take it more often than directed.

If you stop taking this medication for several days, you may need to increase your dose slowly back to your previous dosage. Talk with your doctor about how to restart the medication. Do not stop taking this medication without your doctor's approval. Although very unlikely, if you suddenly stop taking this drug, a serious reaction may occur including fever, muscle stiffness, and confusion. Report any such reactions to your doctor immediately. If your doctor directs you to stop regular treatment with this drug, gradually reducing the dosage as directed will help prevent such reactions.

It may take a few weeks for full effects of this medication to be noticed. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen.