Compare Azilect vs. Duopa

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

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Azilect (rasagiline)

Prescription only

Duopa (carbidopa / levodopa)

Prescription only
Treats Parkinson's disease.

Azilect (rasagiline) is one of the recommended medicines to treat Parkinson's disease. It is now available in generic, which makes it more affordable for people without insurance.

Treats advanced stages of Parkinson's disease.

Duopa (carbidopa / levodopa) pumps carbidopa/levodopa into your body throughout the day. It is reserved for advanced Parkinson's disease when your symptoms become more frequent than the dosing of your tablets.

Upsides
  • Azilect (rasagiline) is one of the go-to medicines for Parkinson's disease. It can be used in early and late stages of the disease.
  • Taking Azilect (rasagiline) by itself can help slow down Parkinson's disease, but it works better when it's given with other medicines.
  • Azilect (rasagiline) is available as generic as well as brand name, so there are usually lower out-of-pocket costs for you with insurance.
  • Duopa (carbidopa / levodopa) allows you to have better control of your symptoms than oral tablets, especially in later stages of Parkinson's disease.
Downsides
  • It can cause unusual cravings and changes in behavior in some people.
  • Given via pump so you'll need to have a procedure to attach the pump to your body.
  • You'll need to take good care of the pump so that it doesn't get disconnected or infected.
  • Duopa (carbidopa / levodopa) only lasts for 16 hours. You may need to take an extra dose of carbidopa/levodopa as tablet for nighttime control.
  • You need to keep Duopa (carbidopa / levodopa) in a fridge, but it should sit at room temperature 20 minutes before infusion.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$159.20
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Lowest price
$9.27
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Reviews
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Side effects
46possible side effects
  • Difficulty controlling movement
    18%
  • Headache
    14%
  • Accidental injury
    12%
  • Nausea
    12%
  • Falls
    11%
  • Weight loss
    9%
  • Constipation
    9%
  • Low blood pressure
    9%
  • Joint pain
    8%
  • Indigestion
    7%
  • Dizziness
    7%
  • Swelling in arms and legs
    7%
  • Vomiting
    7%
  • Dry mouth
    6%
  • Rash
    6%
  • Sleepiness
    6%
  • Depression
    5%
  • Flu-like symptoms
    5%
  • Abdominal pain
    5%
  • Loss of appetite
    5%
  • Diarrhea
    5%
  • Bruising
    5%
  • Tingling or prickling sensation
    5%
  • Back pain
    4%
  • Cough
    4%
  • Trouble sleeping
    4%
  • Cold or flu
    4%
  • Unusual dreams
    4%
  • Hallucinations
    4%
  • Eyelid problems
    3%
  • Fever
    3%
  • Stomach infection
    3%
  • Stuffy nose
    3%
  • Movement coordination problems
    3%
  • Shortness of breath
    3%
  • Infections
    3%
  • Neck pain
    3%
  • Sweating
    3%
  • Tendon swelling
    3%
  • Uncontrollable muscle movements
    3%
  • Arthritis
    2%
  • Weakness
    2%
  • Gum swelling
    2%
  • Excessive bleeding
    2%
  • Hernia
    2%
  • Muscle weakness
    2%
See more detailed side effects
26possible side effects
  • Problems with J-tube
    56%
  • Nausea
    30%
  • Constipation
    22%
  • Redness and swelling at the J-tube site
    19%
  • Difficulty controlling movements
    14%
  • Depression
    11%
  • Discharge at the J-tube site
    11%
  • Swelling in the arms and legs
    8%
  • High blood pressure
    8%
  • Flu and cold
    8%
  • Sore throat
    8%
  • Collapsed lung
    8%
  • Confusion
    8%
  • Anxiety
    8%
  • Dizziness
    8%
  • Hiatal hernia
    8%
  • Intestinal blockage
    5%
  • Sleep problems
    5%
  • Fever
    5%
  • Scar tissue
    5%
  • Rash
    5%
  • Urinary tract infection
    5%
  • Hallucinations
    5%
  • Psychotic disorder
    5%
  • Diarrhea
    5%
  • Indigestion
    5%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • Increased blood pressure
    • Eating foods rich in tyramine, like soy sauce, fermented cheese and smoked meats
  • Serotonin syndrome
    • Tricyclic antidepressants
    • Fentanyl
    • Tramadol
    • Buspirone
    • ADHD medicines
    • Triptans
    • dextromethorphan
    • pseudoephedrine
  • Falling asleep during the day
    • Taking other medicines for Parkinson's disease
  • Low blood pressure
  • Movement problems
    • Taking other medicines for Parkinson's disease
  • Lack of impulse control
    • Taking other medicines for Parkinson's disease
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Stomach problems
    • Surgery to place the J-tube
  • Falling asleep during the day
    • Taking other medicines for Parkinson's
  • High fever and confusion
    • Stopping Duopa (carbidopa / levodopa) suddenly
  • Changes in behavior
  • Lack of impulse control
    • Taking other medicines for Parkinson's disease
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Azilect (rasagiline)
Learn more about Duopa (carbidopa / levodopa)