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Compare Mirapex vs. Stalevo

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

Key takeaways

Pramipexole (Mirapex, Mirapex ER) and Stalevo (carbidopa/levodopa/entacapone) 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 moderate-to-severe 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, Stalevo combines three medications—carbidopa, levodopa, and entacapone—to help relieve PD symptoms by increasing and maintaining dopamine levels in the brain. Stalevo is typically taken multiple times per day and is available in various strengths. While both medications can cause sleepiness and dizziness, Stalevo can also cause diarrhea and changes in the color of bodily fluids, which are not common with pramipexole. Additionally, pramipexole can cause compulsive behaviors and hallucinations, which are less commonly associated with Stalevo. Both medications are available in generic forms, making them more affordable options.

  • Pramipexole
    Stalevo
  • Pramipexole
    Stalevo

  • Summary of Mirapex vs. Stalevo

    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 Dopa decarboxylase inhibitor / Dopamine replacement / COMT inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Stalevo is a combination medication that treats Parkinson's disease (PD) in adults. It has carbidopa (a dopa decarboxylase inhibitor), levodopa (a dopamine replacement), and entacapone (a COMT inhibitor). The addition of entacapone helps the effects of the medication last longer. This helps lessen "off" time (when movement symptoms come back as the medication wears off). Side effects include involuntary movements, nausea, and diarrhea. Stalevo is available as a brand name and generic.

  • Indications of Mirapex vs. Stalevo

    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. Stalevo

    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 Dopa decarboxylase inhibitor / Dopamine replacement / COMT inhibitor
    Pros
    •Combines three medications into a single pill, so you don't have to take as many tablets to control your PD symptoms
    •Helps relieve PD symptoms for a longer period of time than carbidopa/levodopa alone
    •Available in six different strengths, so your prescriber can adjust your dose if needed
    •Okay to take if you have kidney problems
    Cons
    •Usually need to take multiple times per day to help relieve PD symptoms
    •Might need to first take immediate-release carbidopa/levodopa and entacapone separately until you find the right dose before switching to Stalevo
    •Can make you very sleepy and cause you to fall asleep all of a sudden
    •Can make the color of your saliva, sweat, and urine darker

  • Common Side Effects of Mirapex vs. Stalevo

    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
    •Involuntary movements (dyskinesia, 25%)
    •Nausea (14%)
    •Rapid involuntary movements (10%)
    •Diarrhea (10%)
    •Changes in the color of your urine (10%)
    •Slow involuntary movements (9%)
    •Stomach pain (8%)
    •Dizziness (8%)
    •Constipation (6%)
    •Tiredness (6%)
    •Back pain (5%)

  • Warnings of Mirapex vs. Stalevo

    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
    •Sleepiness or falling asleep during activities
    •Low blood pressure and fainting
    •Risk of depression and suicidal behavior
    •Hallucinations and changes in behavior and thoughts
    •Difficulty controlling impulsive behavior
    •High fevers and confusion with treatment changes
    •Diarrhea and inflamed colon (colitis)
    •Severe muscle damage (rhabdomyolysis)
    •Interactions with other medications
    •Risk of stomach bleeding in people who've had a stomach ulcer

  • Prices with our coupons for Mirapex vs. Stalevo

    Learn more about Pramipexole
    Learn more about Stalevo

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