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Compare Mirapex vs. Azilect

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Pramipexole and rasagiline (Azilect) are both used to treat Parkinson's disease (PD), but they work differently and have different uses. Pramipexole is a dopamine agonist that helps improve movement problems by raising dopamine levels in the brain. It is also used to treat restless legs syndrome (RLS). Pramipexole is available in both immediate-release and extended-release forms, with the immediate-release needing to be taken three times a day and the extended-release taken once daily. On the other hand, rasagiline is a monoamine oxidase type B (MAO-B) inhibitor that prevents the breakdown of dopamine, thus increasing its levels in the brain. Rasagiline is taken once a day and is only used for PD. While both medications can cause sleepiness and dizziness, rasagiline has specific dietary restrictions due to its interaction with tyramine-rich foods, which can dangerously raise blood pressure. Additionally, rasagiline should not be taken with certain antidepressants due to the risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition. Both medications are available in lower-cost generic forms.

  • Pramipexole
    Rasagiline (Azilect)
  • Pramipexole
    Rasagiline (Azilect)

  • Summary of Mirapex vs. Azilect

    Summary for Dopamine agonist
    Prescription only

    Pramipexole is used to treat Parkinson's disease (PD) and restless legs syndrome (RLS). The dosage depends on what form you’re taking: the immediate-release tablet is taken 3 times per day and the extended-release tablet is taken once per day. The immediate-release is only available as a lower-cost generic (the brand name Mirapex has been discontinued in the US). The extended-release version of this medication is available as brand (Mirapex ER) and generic. Side effects include nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, and tiredness.

    Summary for MAO-B inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Rasagiline (Azilect) is one of the first-choice options to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD), such as shakiness, stiff muscles, and slowed movement. Rasagiline (Azilect) is taken once a day and is available in a lower-cost generic form, but it can make you very sleepy.

  • Indications of Mirapex vs. Azilect

    Indications for
    •Parkinson's disease
    •Moderate-to-severe restless legs syndrome - immediate-release tablets only
    Indications for
    •Parkinson's disease (PD)

  • Pros and Cons of Mirapex vs. Azilect

    Pros and Const for Dopamine agonist
    Pros
    •Works well to control movement problems
    •Available in a lower-cost generic version
    •Extended-release tablet can be taken once daily
    Cons
    •Only available as a tablet
    •Can cause extreme sleepiness
    •Immediate-release tablets need to be taken 3 times per day.
    Pros and Const for MAO-B inhibitor
    Pros
    •One of the first-choice options for PD, especially for movement problems
    •Can be used to treat early PD
    •Taken once a day
    •Available in a lower-cost, generic version
    Cons
    •Can cause a life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome if taken with certain medications
    •Cannot eat foods with very large amounts of tyramine while taking rasagiline (Azilect), because it can raise your blood pressure
    •Not recommended if you have moderate-to-severe liver disease, because the medication can reach very high levels in your body and put you at higher risk for side effects

  • Common Side Effects of Mirapex vs. Azilect

    Common Side Effects for

    Early Parkinson’s disease (PD)

    •Sleepiness (33-36%)
    •Nausea (22-24%)
    •Constipation (12-14%)
    •Dizziness (12%)
    •Swelling in arms or legs (5-8%)
    •Fatigue (6%)
    •Hallucinations (5-6%)
    •Dry mouth (4-5%)

    Restless legs syndrome

    •Nausea (16%)
    •Headache (16%)
    •Fatigue (9%)
    •Sleepiness (6%)
    •Constipation (4%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (14%)
    •Joint pain (7%)
    •Stomach upset (7%)
    •Depression (5%)
    •Flu symptoms (5%)
    •Falls (5%)

    Note: Percentages are based on taking the medication alone

  • Warnings of Mirapex vs. Azilect

    Common Side Effects for
    •Extreme sleepiness
    •Changes in blood pressure and higher risk of falls
    •Intense urges
    •Hallucinations and behavior changes
    •Difficulty controlling body movements
    •Changes to your posture
    •Severe muscle damage (rhabdomyolysis)
    •Worsening symptoms of RLS
    Common Side Effects for
    •High blood pressure
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Sleepiness or falling asleep during activities
    •Low blood pressure
    •Hallucinations and changes in behavior and thoughts
    •Difficulty controlling impulsive behavior
    •High fevers and confusion

  • Prices with our coupons for Mirapex vs. Azilect

    Learn more about Pramipexole
    Learn more about Rasagiline

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