Compare Mirapex vs. Duopa
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
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.
Used for
- Parkinson's disease
- Restless legs syndrome
- Bipolar depression
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Extended release
- Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$105.27
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$9.00
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Side effects
36possible side effects
- Postural hypotension53%
- Muscle rigidity47%
- Extrapyramidal syndrome28%
- Insomnia27%
- Dizziness26%
- Hallucinations17%
- Accidental injury17%
- Dream abnormalities11%
- Confusion10%
- Muscle weakness10%
- Constipation10%
- Sleepiness9%
- Muscle problems8%
- Gait abnormalities7%
- Muscle tenseness7%
- Dry mouth7%
- Memory loss6%
- Urinary frequency6%
- General swelling4%
- Urinary tract infection4%
- Shortness of breath4%
- Accomodation abnormalities4%
- Restlessness3%
- Thinking abnormalities3%
- Chest pain3%
- Malaise3%
- Runny nose3%
- Vision abnormalities3%
- Arthritis3%
- Paranoid reaction2%
- Urinary incontinence2%
- Lung infection2%
- Twitching2%
- Swelling of joints2%
- Peripheral swelling2%
- Skin disorders2%
26possible side effects
- Problems with J-tube56%
- Nausea30%
- Constipation22%
- Redness and swelling at the J-tube site19%
- Difficulty controlling movements14%
- Depression11%
- Discharge at the J-tube site11%
- Swelling in the arms and legs8%
- High blood pressure8%
- Flu and cold8%
- Sore throat8%
- Collapsed lung8%
- Confusion8%
- Anxiety8%
- Dizziness8%
- Hiatal hernia8%
- Intestinal blockage5%
- Sleep problems5%
- Fever5%
- Scar tissue5%
- Rash5%
- Urinary tract infection5%
- Hallucinations5%
- Psychotic disorder5%
- Diarrhea5%
- Indigestion5%
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
- 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