Frequently Asked Questions

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What is RLS?

RLS can begin as a strange feeling in your legs that seems to get worse until you stand up and move around. Deep inside your legs you can feel burning, creeping, and crawling sensations that are hard to describe, even to your doctor. Meanwhile, you cope with your condition the best you can.

If these symptoms describe the way you are feeling, you may have restless legs syndrome (RLS), a sensorimotor condition that affects millions of Americans. Movement will often relieve RLS symptoms briefly. Restless legs syndrome gets worse when you don't move or when relaxing, especially during the evening. Your sleep may be disturbed enough for you to be exhausted the following day.

What is the difference between primary and secondary RLS?

Some researchers believe that RLS may be related to dopamine, the chemical that carries signals among the nerve cells that control movement. Some research has shown that half of the time primary RLS can be traced to a family history. Secondary RLS only occurs as a result of an underlying medical condition such as iron deficiency, end-stage renal disease, pregnancy or diabetes. MIRAPEX is not indicated for the treatment of secondary RLS.

What are the symptoms of RLS?

Although RLS symptoms can vary from person to person, they are generally described as burning, creeping, crawling, aching, tingling, or tugging sensations in the legs. These sensations often occur in the lower legs, deep inside the leg. These sensations can also occur in the feet, thighs, trunk, and arms. The typical discomfort of RLS begins or intensifies when inactive (eg, lying down).

What is MIRAPEX?

MIRAPEX is a prescription medicine used in the treatment of moderate to severe primary RLS.

How is MIRAPEX taken to treat RLS?

Some key points about taking MIRAPEX:

• Take MIRAPEX as your doctor directs. It is often recommended that MIRAPEX be taken once a day, 2 or 3 hours before bedtime
• Take MIRAPEX every day — even if you do not feel RLS symptoms every day
• MIRAPEX may be taken with or without food
• If you miss a dose, DO NOT double your next dose. Take only your usual dose, as your doctor directs
• Make it easy to remember. Find ways to make taking MIRAPEX part of your evening routine

What important information should I know about MIRAPEX and its possible side effects?

Most people who take MIRAPEX tolerate it well. When beginning to take MIRAPEX, you should be cautious until you know how the drug will affect you. Some of the more common side effects can include:

• Feeling drowsy or falling asleep during daily activities such as driving
• Feeling faint or dizzy when you stand up
• Nausea
• Headache

When taking MIRAPEX, hallucinations (seeing, hearing, feeling, or tasting something that isn’t there) may occur. Before taking MIRAPEX, talk to your doctor if you drink alcohol or take other medications that make you drowsy as these can increase the chance that MIRAPEX will make you feel sleepy or fall asleep when you should be awake.

There have been reports of impulse control disorders and compulsive behaviors in patients taking certain medicines, including MIRAPEX. If you or your family members notice that you are experiencing new or increased gambling urges, increased sexual urges or other intense urges, such as compulsive shopping or eating, while taking MIRAPEX, talk to your doctor.

Please note that we have not presented a complete list of possible side effects. Your doctor or pharmacist can give you further information. Likewise, it is important to talk to your doctor if you experience any of these problems.

What important things should I tell my doctor?

Before starting MIRAPEX, tell your doctor if:

• You take other medicines (prescription or over-the-counter)
• You drink alcohol. Drinking may increase your chances of becoming drowsy while taking MIRAPEX
• You are pregnant, breastfeeding, or plan to become pregnant
• You suffer from a sleep disorder other than RLS
• You suffer from kidney disease
• You are allergic to the active ingredient pramipexole, or to any of the inactive ingredients in MIRAPEX
• You are having trouble controlling your muscles
• You have low blood pressure or if you feel dizzy or faint, especially when getting up from a lying down or sitting position

When taking MIRAPEX, tell your doctor if:

• You become unexpectedly sleepy
• You feel dizzy, nauseated, sweaty, or faint—especially when you stand up after sitting or lying down

How should I store MIRAPEX?

MIRAPEX should be kept in a tightly closed container out of the reach of children. Always store MIRAPEX at room temperature and away from direct sunlight.

Important RLS-related links