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Recognizing
Parkinson's Disease
Learn about the
symptoms of
Parkinson's disease.
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Care Partners: A
Guide for Doctor Visits
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MANAGING PARKINSON'S DISEASE AT EVERY STAGE

Talking to Your Doctor about
Parkinson's Disease

Helping your doctor help you

Being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease is the beginning of a journey, and it starts with you. Some of us have responsibilities at a full-time job. Others are busy at home. When you're starting therapy for Parkinson's disease, it's important for your doctor to know how you spend your time, so that together you can develop a treatment plan that is right for you.

Topics to discuss with your doctor

When visiting your doctor, always be prepared to answer the following questions for a successful visit:

  • Have you been able to maintain your everyday activities?
  • Have you had any mishaps around the house such as falling down?
  • Have there been any changes in symptoms such as:
    • – Loss of balance
    • – Swallowing difficulties
    • – Fatigue
    • – Tremor
    • – Stiffness
    • – Memory loss
    • – Slowness
    • – Constipation
    • – Urinary problem
    • – Walking difficulty
  • Has the current medicine remained effective?
  • Have side effects been manageable?
  • Have you been eating a regular, balanced diet?
  • Have you been maintaining proper weight?
  • Have you been consuming recommended vitamins?
  • Have you shown signs of excessive daytime sleepiness?
  • Has any "wearing off" effect of medicine occurred?
  • Has dyskinesia (involuntary movements) occurred?
  • Have you experienced hallucinations?

Finally, remember to keep and bring your Parkinson's disease diary containing notes on your condition. This will facilitate better and more efficient communication with your doctor.

Next: See some tips for talking to your doctor

 
 

Important Information about MIRAPEX: MIRAPEX is indicated for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (PD).

MIRAPEX may cause you to fall asleep without any warning, even while doing normal daily activities, such as driving. 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. When taking MIRAPEX, hallucinations (seeing, hearing, feeling, or tasting something that isn’t there) may occur and you may sometimes feel dizzy, nauseated, faint or sweaty when you sit up or stand quickly.

In clinical trials for early PD, the most commonly reported side effects of MIRAPEX that were more frequent than with placebo are nausea, dizziness, sleepiness, difficulty falling asleep, involuntary movement, and constipation. In clinical trials for advanced PD, the most commonly reported side effects of MIRAPEX that were more frequent than with placebo are low blood pressure when you sit up or stand quickly, involuntary movement, difficulty falling asleep, dizziness, accidental injury, hallucinations, and dream abnormalities. You should talk with your doctor if you experience these problems.

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 see full Prescribing Information.

This information is intended for U.S. residents only.