Compare Mirapex vs. Duopa

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

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Mirapex (pramipexole)

Prescription only

Duopa (carbidopa / levodopa)

Prescription only
Helps with movement problems.

Mirapex (pramipexole) is effective for Parkinson's disease or restless legs syndrome, but can cause extreme drowsiness that affects daily living.

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
  • Mirapex (pramipexole) may be better for older people with Parkinson's since it causes fewer movement and mental changes than its alternatives.
  • Mirapex (pramipexole) comes in extended-release form to help reduce side effects and ease administration.
  • Available as a generic so it will be cheaper than similar brand medications.
  • Duopa (carbidopa / levodopa) allows you to have better control of your symptoms than oral tablets, especially in later stages of Parkinson's disease.
Downsides
  • Mirapex (pramipexole) can be used by itself, but is usually used in combination with other medications to treat Parkinson's.
  • Not the best choice if you have kidney problems.
  • You cannot suddenly stop taking Mirapex (pramipexole) if you have been taking it for a long time.
  • 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
  • Extended release
  • Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$82.70
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Lowest price
$9.00
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Reviews
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Side effects
36possible side effects
  • Postural hypotension
    53%
  • Muscle rigidity
    47%
  • Extrapyramidal syndrome
    28%
  • Insomnia
    27%
  • Dizziness
    26%
  • Hallucinations
    17%
  • Accidental injury
    17%
  • Dream abnormalities
    11%
  • Confusion
    10%
  • Muscle weakness
    10%
  • Constipation
    10%
  • Sleepiness
    9%
  • Muscle problems
    8%
  • Gait abnormalities
    7%
  • Muscle tenseness
    7%
  • Dry mouth
    7%
  • Memory loss
    6%
  • Urinary frequency
    6%
  • General swelling
    4%
  • Urinary tract infection
    4%
  • Shortness of breath
    4%
  • Accomodation abnormalities
    4%
  • Restlessness
    3%
  • Thinking abnormalities
    3%
  • Chest pain
    3%
  • Malaise
    3%
  • Runny nose
    3%
  • Vision abnormalities
    3%
  • Arthritis
    3%
  • Paranoid reaction
    2%
  • Urinary incontinence
    2%
  • Lung infection
    2%
  • Twitching
    2%
  • Swelling of joints
    2%
  • Peripheral swelling
    2%
  • Skin disorders
    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
  • Impulse control problems
  • Problems with concentration
    • Taking with alcohol
    • Taking other medicines that make you sleepy
    • Sleep disorders
  • Low blood pressure
    • Taking blood pressure medicines
  • Kidney problems
    • Kidney problems
  • Skin cancer
    • Parkinson's disease
  • Hallucinations and behavior changes
    • Age 65 years or older
    • History of psychosis
    • Advanced 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 Mirapex (pramipexole)
Learn more about Duopa (carbidopa / levodopa)