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Caring for Someone
with Parkinson's
Disease
Find out what you can
do for a loved one.
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Topics to Discuss
with Your Doctor*
Find out how to help
your doctor help you.
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*Doctor portrayal


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MANAGING PARKINSON'S DISEASE AT EVERY STAGE

Talking to Your Doctor

Talk to your doctor when symptoms appear

Many people who experience the early symptoms of Parkinson's disease do not talk to their doctor about them. They think to themselves, "Maybe it will go away." Or, they choose to ignore their symptoms. Sometimes, this is because they are afraid of what the doctor might say.

But if you are experiencing these symptoms, you should talk to your doctor. Only your doctor can determine if they are being caused by Parkinson's disease. If they are, then treatment with medicines such as MIRAPEX may help. So talk with your doctor as soon as possible.

What your doctor should know

Don't wait until the end of the visit to discuss your symptoms. Mention them early in your visit. This way you'll have enough time to discuss them properly. It's important for you to ask direct questions, such as:

  • Do I have Parkinson's disease?
  • What treatments are available to help me?

You owe it to yourself to find out if you have this disease. If you do, you can then begin a treatment program that will help you manage your symptoms. So talk with your doctor.

If your doctor says that you have Parkinson's disease, ask about MIRAPEX. This medicine has helped many patients, and it could help you. Only your healthcare professional can determine if MIRAPEX is right for you.

KEY POINTS
  • Talk to your doctor if you have symptoms
  • Mention symptoms early in your visit
  • Ask direct questions
  • Ask your doctor about MIRAPEX

Next: Get some tips for living with Parkinson's disease

 



 

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.