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Compare Neupro vs. Stalevo

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

Key takeaways

Neupro (rotigotine) and Stalevo (carbidopa/levodopa/entacapone) are both used to treat Parkinson's disease (PD), but they work in different ways and have different forms. Neupro is a dopamine agonist that comes as a patch you apply to your skin once a day. It can also treat moderate-to-severe restless legs syndrome (RLS). Stalevo is a combination pill that includes carbidopa, levodopa, and entacapone, and it helps manage PD symptoms by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. Unlike Neupro, Stalevo is taken orally and usually needs to be taken multiple times a day. Neupro is only available as a brand-name medication, while Stalevo has a lower-cost generic version. Both medications can cause sleepiness and hallucinations, but Neupro can also cause skin irritation where the patch is applied, and Stalevo can cause diarrhea and change the color of your urine.

  • neupro (rotigotine)
    Stalevo
  • neupro (rotigotine)
    Stalevo

  • Summary of Neupro vs. Stalevo

    Summary for Dopamine agonist
    Prescription only

    Neupro (rotigotine) is a dopamine agonist used to treat adults with Parkinson's disease (PD) and restless legs syndrome (RLS). It helps manage symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, and uncontrollable leg movements. The medication comes as a patch that you apply to your skin once a day. Neupro (rotigotine) is only available as a brand-name medication, with no generic version. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and sleepiness.

    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 Neupro vs. Stalevo

    Indications for
    •Parkinson's disease (PD)
    •Moderate-to-severe restless legs syndrome (RLS)
    Indications for
    •Parkinson's disease (PD)

  • Pros and Cons of Neupro vs. Stalevo

    Pros and Const for Dopamine agonist
    Pros
    •Approved to treat both PD and RLS
    •Patch is applied to the skin once a day
    •Good option for people who don't want to take pills
    Cons
    •Can't stop suddenly; must wean off the medication
    •Not suitable for people with sulfite allergies
    •Can cause serious side effects, like impulsive behavior and hallucinations
    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 Neupro vs. Stalevo

    Common Side Effects for

    Parkinson's disease

    •Nausea (28-48%)
    •Application site reaction (19-46%)
    •Sleepiness (12-32%)
    •Dizziness (14-23%)
    •Vomiting (8-20%)
    •Tiredness (6-18%)
    •Uncontrolled muscle movements (14-17%)
    •Trouble sleeping (6-14%)
    •Swelling in the arms and legs (2-14%)
    •Hallucinations (0-13%)
    •Joint pain (8-11%)
    •Excessive sweating (1-11%)
    •Headache (8-10%)

    Restless leg syndrome

    •Application site reactions (23–43%)
    •Nausea (15–23%)
    •Headache (15–21%)
    •Fatigue and weakness (7-14%)
    •Sleepiness (5-10%)
    •Trouble sleeping (3-10%)
    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 Neupro vs. Stalevo

    Common Side Effects for
    •Serious allergic reactions
    •Extreme sleepiness
    •Hallucinations and mental health changes
    •Low blood pressure and fainting
    •Impulsive behavior
    •High blood pressure and heart rate
    •Weight gain and swelling
    •Uncontrolled muscle movements
    •Skin reactions
    •Worsening symptoms of RLS
    •High fevers and confusion
    •Withdrawal symptoms
    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 Neupro vs. Stalevo

    Learn more about neupro
    Learn more about Stalevo

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