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Compare Mirapex vs. Rytary

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

Key takeaways

Pramipexole (Mirapex, Mirapex ER) and Rytary (carbidopa/levodopa) are both used to treat Parkinson's disease (PD), but they work differently and have different dosing schedules. Pramipexole is a dopamine agonist that helps improve movement problems by raising dopamine levels in the brain. It comes in immediate-release tablets taken three times a day and extended-release tablets taken once daily. Rytary, on the other hand, is a combination of two medications: carbidopa and levodopa. Levodopa is a dopamine replacement, and carbidopa helps prevent levodopa from breaking down before it reaches the brain. These actions helps increase dopamine levels. Rytary is an extended-release capsule taken three times a day. Pramipexole is available in a lower-cost generic version, while Rytary is not, making it potentially more expensive. Both medications can cause sleepiness and sudden sleep episodes, but Rytary also has a risk of heart problems and stomach bleeding. Pramipexole can cause compulsive behaviors like binge eating and gambling.

Pramipexole
Rytary (carbidopa / levodopa)
Pramipexole
Rytary (carbidopa / levodopa)
Summary of Mirapex vs. Rytary
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
Prescription only
Rytary (carbidopa / levodopa) is a combination medication that's used to treat adults with symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD), such as stiff muscles and slowed movement. It contains carbidopa (a decarboxylase inhibitor) and levodopa (a dopamine replacement) in an extended-release capsule. The typical dosage is one capsule by mouth three times a day. Common side effects include nausea, headache, and dizziness. This medication doesn't currently have a generic version, but you can get it under the brand name Rytary.
Indications of Mirapex vs. Rytary
Indications for

•Parkinson's disease

•Moderate-to-severe restless legs syndrome - immediate-release tablets only

Indications for

•Parkinson's disease (PD)

•Parkinsonism (conditions that cause people to have symptoms of PD, including tremors, slowness, and stiffness)
Pros and Cons of Mirapex vs. Rytary
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
Pros

•Can provide more "on" time and less "off" time than immediate-release Sinemet (carbidopa / levodopa) in people with advanced PD

•Available in 4 different strengths

•Can open capsule and sprinkle contents onto applesauce if you have trouble swallowing pills whole

Cons

•Usually need to take multiple times per day

•Can make you very sleepy and cause you to fall asleep suddenly

•Interacts with certain monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and iron
Common Side Effects of Mirapex vs. Rytary
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

•Nausea (up to 20%)

•Dizziness (up to 19%)

•Headache (up to 17%)

•Trouble sleeping (up to 9%)

•Dry mouth (up to 7%)

•Unusual dreams (up to 6%)

•Constipation (up to 6%)

•Involuntary movements (dyskinesia, up to 5%)

•Anxiety (up to 5%)

•Vomiting (up to 5%)

•Drop in blood pressure when standing from a sitting or lying down position (up to 5%)
Warnings of Mirapex vs. Rytary
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 with treatment changes

•Heart problems

•Hallucinations and changes in behavior and thoughts

•Difficulty controlling impulsive behavior

•Stomach bleeding in people who've had a stomach ulcer

•Rise in eye pressure in people with glaucoma
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Compare Mirapex vs. Rytary

Key takeaways

Summary of Mirapex vs. Rytary

Indications of Mirapex vs. Rytary

Pros and Cons of Mirapex vs. Rytary

Common Side Effects of Mirapex vs. Rytary

Warnings of Mirapex vs. Rytary

Prices with our coupons for Mirapex vs. Rytary

Compare other Parkinson's Disease drugs

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