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Compare Mirapex vs. Inbrija

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

Key takeaways

Pramipexole (Mirapex, Mirapex ER) and Inbrija (levodopa) are both used to treat Parkinson's disease, but they work differently and are used in different ways. Pramipexole is a dopamine agonist taken orally, either as an immediate-release tablet three times a day or as an extended-release tablet once a day. It is available in both brand and generic forms. In contrast, Inbrija is an inhaled medication used to treat "off" episodes in people already taking carbidopa/levodopa medications like Sinemet. It is only available as a brand medication and can be used up to five times a day. Pramipexole can cause side effects like extreme sleepiness, nausea, and dizziness, while Inbrija can cause coughing, changes in saliva color, and nausea. Additionally, Inbrija is not recommended for people with lung conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), whereas pramipexole does not have this restriction.

  • Pramipexole
    Inbrija (levodopa)
  • Pramipexole
    Inbrija (levodopa)

  • Summary of Mirapex vs. Inbrija

    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 Anti-Parkinson agent
    Prescription only

    Inbrija (levodopa) is used to treat "off" episodes (periods when your medications are wearing off so your Parkinson's symptoms come back) in people with Parkinson's disease (PD). It comes as an inhaler that can be used as needed up to 5 times per day, but it can cause cough and darken your spit, saliva, and sweat.

  • Indications of Mirapex vs. Inbrija

    Indications for
    •Parkinson's disease
    •Moderate-to-severe restless legs syndrome - immediate-release tablets only
    Indications for
    •Treat "off" episodes in people with Parkinson's disease who are taking medications containing carbidopa and levodopa (e.g., Sinemet, Rytary)

  • Pros and Cons of Mirapex vs. Inbrija

    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 Anti-Parkinson agent
    Pros
    •Can be useful for people whose PD medications wear off throughout the day
    •Can be taken first thing in the morning
    •Starts to work quickly in as soon as 10 minutes after you take the dose
    •Can be used up to 5 times per day
    Cons
    •Only available as a brand medication so it can be expensive
    •Must inhale two capsules to get the full dose
    •Can only be used by people who are taking a carbidopa / levodopa medication (e.g., Sinemet, Rytary)
    •Can change the color of your spit, saliva, urine, and sweat

  • Common Side Effects of Mirapex vs. Inbrija

    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
    •Cough (15%)
    •Cold or flu infections (6%)
    •Change in the color of your saliva or spit (5%)
    •Nausea (5%)

  • Warnings of Mirapex vs. Inbrija

    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
    •High fevers and confusion
    •Hallucinations and changes in behavior and thoughts
    •Difficulty controlling impulsive behavior
    •Trouble breathing (bronchospasm) in people with lung conditions
    •High eye pressure

  • Prices with our coupons for Mirapex vs. Inbrija

    Learn more about Pramipexole
    Learn more about Inbrija

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