MANAGING PARKINSON'S DISEASE AT EVERY STAGE

Symptoms

The symptoms are key

Unfortunately, there are no specific tests that confirm beyond a doubt that a person has Parkinson's disease. So doctors often base their conclusion on a clinical examination. They must also evaluate the patient's medical history. Some doctors may also start their patient on a dopamine agonist to see if it reduces the symptoms.¹⁵

There is still some debate about exactly what signs and symptoms confirm that a person has Parkinson's disease. The table below is one set of categories that is often used:^9,15

Diagnosis	Symptoms
Possible Parkinson's disease	One of the following: tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia
Probable Parkinson's disease	Two of the following: tremor , rigidity, bradykinesia, OR if any one of these appears on only one side of the body
Definite Parkinson's disease	All three of the following: tremor , rigidity, bradykinesia, OR if two of these appear with one appearing on only one side of the body

Next: The stages of 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.