Mirapex (Pramipexole)

MIRAPEX is a prescription medication that has similar effects to a chemical called dopamine, which occurs naturally in your body. Low levels of dopamine in the brain are associated with Parkinson's disease. MIRAPEX is used to treat the signs and symptoms of Parkinson's disease, including tremors (shaking), stiffness, and slowness of movement.

Directions

Take MIRAPEX exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow patient instructions for safe and effective use. MIRAPEX can be taken with or without food. Take the medication with food if it upsets your stomach. Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow it whole. Breaking the tablet may cause too much of the medicine to be released at one time.

Cautions

To make sure you can safely take MIRAPEX, patients should thoroughly discuss their medical history with their doctor. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Inform your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:

• allergies to pramipexole or any other chemical contained in this medication
• low blood pressure
• kidney disease
• tremors (dyskinesia) or uncontrolled muscle movements

MIRAPEX may cause patients to have increased sexual urges, unusual urges to gamble, or other intense urges. Some patients taking Parkinson's disease medications have developed skin cancer (melanoma) but people with Parkinson's disease may have a higher risk of melanoma. Patients may need to have regular skin exams

It is not known whether MIRAPEX will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. It is not known whether MIRAPEX passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use MIRAPEX without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Side Effects

Most medications can cause side effects which can be defined as an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can range from mild or severe, temporary or permanent. Side effects are not experienced all patients who take this medication. Many side effects can be managed, and others may go away over time.

The most common side effects may include:

• dry mouth, stomach pain, vomiting, constipation;
• headache, dizziness, spinning sensation;
• mild drowsiness;
• swelling in your hands or feet;
• appetite or weight changes;
• blurred vision;
• sleep problems (insomnia), unusual dreams;
• amnesia, forgetfulness, thinking problems; or
• impotence, loss of interest in sex, or trouble having an orgasm

Serious side effects may include:

• extreme drowsiness, falling asleep suddenly, even after feeling alert;
• nausea, sweating, feeling light-headed, fainting;
• hallucinations;
• muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness with fever or flu symptoms and dark colored urine;
• chest discomfort, dry cough, feeling short of breath;
• feeling weak or tired, loss of appetite, rapid weight loss;
• fast or uneven heartbeats; or
• tremors, twitching or uncontrollable movements of your eyes, lips, tongue, face, arms, or legs

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about additional side effects.