Mirapex

Mirapex is used for treating the signs and symptoms of Parkinson disease. It is also used to treat restless legs syndrome (RLS). It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Use Mirapex as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

An extra patient leaflet is available with Mirapex . Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information.

Take Mirapex by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.

Your dose will be started low and gradually increased to achieve the best results. Do not change your dose sooner than recommended.

Do not suddenly stop taking Mirapex without checking with your doctor. Severe side effects, including fever, mental or mood changes, and stiff muscles, may occur.

If you miss a dose of Mirapex , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once. If you miss several doses, contact your doctor before you start to take Mirapex again.

Mirapex is a dopamine agonist. It is thought that the shaking (tremors) of Parkinson disease is caused by reduced amounts of the chemical transmitter dopamine in the brain. Exactly how Mirapex works is unknown, but it may stimulate the dopamine receptors in the brain.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Store this medicine at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light.

Do NOT use Mirapex if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Mirapex

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have kidney problems, low blood pressure, or daytime sleepiness
• if you drink alcohol or have a history of compulsive behavior (eg, eating, gambling, shopping)

• Cimetidine, diltiazem, quinidine, quinine, ranitidine, triamterene, or verapamil because they may increase the risk of Mirapex 's side effects
• Levodopa because the risk of its side effects may be increased by Mirapex
• Butyrophenones (eg, haloperidol), metoclopramide, phenothiazines (eg, chlorpromazine), or thioxanthenes (eg, thiothixene) because they may decrease Mirapex 's effectiveness

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Abnormal dreams; constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; headache; loss of appetite; nausea; stuffy nose; tiredness; trouble sleeping; upset stomach; weakness.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); abnormal thinking; change in behavior, mood, or emotions; chest pain; confusion; decreased sexual ability; difficulty walking; fainting; hallucinations; increased urination; memory loss; muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness; new or unusual skin growths; severe or persistent drowsiness or sleepiness; shortness of breath; sudden irresistible urge to sleep or suddenly falling asleep at unusual times; swelling of the arms or legs; trouble swallowing; unusual or intense urges (eg, gambling, sexual urges); unusual twitching or muscle movements; vision changes; vivid dreams or daydreams.

If you have any questions about Mirapex , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Mirapex is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.