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What Is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s disease affects the nervous system and muscles

Parkinson’s disease is a chronic, progressive disorder that affects the coordination of the body’s muscles and movement. The disease develops when the brain does not produce enough dopamine — a chemical that is necessary for smooth, voluntary muscle movement in the body.

In fact, 60% to 80% of dopaminergic neurons are usually lost by the time a patient is diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson’s disease causes different kinds of symptoms. There may be a slight, uncontrolled shaking of the arms and legs, called tremor. And at times, muscles may feel somewhat stiff and rigid. A person with Parkinson’s disease may have difficulty moving his or her arms and legs or may have shaky hands, or he or she will only be able to move them slowly. Eventually, walking may become a process of taking small steps and slow movement, which is called a “shuffling gait.”

The second most common neurodegenerative disorder

According to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, Parkinson’s disease is estimated to affect as many as 1 million Americans. And about 50,000 Americans are diagnosed with the disease every year. Boxing champion Muhammad Ali, TV and movie star Michael J. Fox, and former Attorney General Janet Reno are all living with Parkinson’s disease.

Parkinson’s disease can vary by age at first diagnosis, the signs and symptoms that first appear, and in the disease’s rate of progression. Parkinson’s disease affects slightly more men than women and is seen throughout the world.

Scientists do not know what causes Parkinson’s disease, but genetics may be a contributing factor. Environmental toxins may also play a role.

Age-related factors

Parkinson's disease is believed to be due at least in part to age-related factors. This is because the number of people diagnosed with Parkinson's disease increases in older age groups. The most common age at the time of diagnosis is about 60 years.

However, Parkinson's disease is not diagnosed exclusively in older people. As many as 10% of people with Parkinson's disease show symptoms before the age of 40.

When symptoms occur before the age of 40

Five to 10% of people who have Parkinson's disease experience symptoms before the age of 40. Many of the symptoms of Parkinson's disease — such as bradykinesia, difficulty with walking, and rigidity — are seen in people of all ages. But one study did find a key difference between older patients and those who develop Parkinson's disease at a younger age: tremor is seen somewhat less often in younger patients than in those diagnosed in their 60s or later.

In addition, muscle spasms that cause abnormal positions, such as arching of the foot (called dystonia) are more common in younger patients. These symptoms often appear before other, more typical symptoms of Parkinson's disease. However, younger patients are less likely to have dementia.

MIRAPEX ER: A treatment option

There is currently no cure for Parkinson's disease, but there have been advances in treatment over the years. Newer medical treatments help to manage the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. One of these medical treatments is once-daily MIRAPEX ER.

MIRAPEX ER belongs to a class of drugs know as dopamine agonists. It is believed that dopamine agonists work by mimicking the action of dopamine in the brain. However, the exact way in which MIRAPEX ER treats Parkinson's disease is unknown. Learn more about once-daily MIRAPEX ER and dopamine agonists.

This section provides information about the diagnosis, symptoms, early stages, and advanced stages of Parkinson's disease.

Next: How Is Parkinson’s Disease Diagnosed?

Indications:

MIRAPEX ER and Mirapex^® (pramipexole dihydrochloride) tablets are prescription medicines to treat the signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Important Safety Information:

MIRAPEX ER or MIRAPEX may cause you to fall asleep without warning during daily activities, including talking, eating, and driving, which may result in accidents. Tell your doctor if you feel new or increased sleepiness while taking MIRAPEX ER or MIRAPEX. Do not drive a car, operate a machine, or do anything that needs you to be alert until you know how MIRAPEX ER or MIRAPEX affects you.

Before taking MIRAPEX ER or MIRAPEX, talk to your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including if you feel sleepy during the day. Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol or take other medications that make you drowsy, as these can increase the chance that MIRAPEX ER or MIRAPEX will make you feel sleepy or fall asleep when you should be awake.

When taking MIRAPEX ER or MIRAPEX, hallucinations (unreal visions, sounds or sensations) may occur and you may sometimes feel dizzy, nauseated, faint or sweaty when you sit up or stand quickly.

Some patients taking certain medicines to treat PD, including MIRAPEX ER and MIRAPEX, have reported problems, such as gambling, compulsive eating, compulsive buying, and increased sex drive. If you or your family members notice that you are developing unusual urges or behaviors, talk to your doctor.

The most common side effects in people taking MIRAPEX ER for early PD are sleepiness, nausea and vomiting, constipation, dizziness, tiredness, hallucinations, dry mouth, muscle spasms, and edema (swelling of the feet and ankles).

The most common side effects in people taking MIRAPEX ER who have later-stage PD are abnormal movements, nausea, constipation, hallucinations, headache, and anorexia.

The most common side effects in people taking MIRAPEX for PD are nausea, dizziness, sleepiness, constipation, hallucinations, insomnia, muscle weakness, confusion, and abnormal movements.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please see full Prescribing Information, including Patient Information, for MIRAPEX ER and MIRAPEX.

*This offer is not valid if your prescriptions are paid for in whole or in part by Medicaid, Medicare, TriCare, or any other federal or state medical or pharmaceutical assistance program. This offer is not valid in Massachusetts or where prohibited by law. The value of this card for each prescription is limited to $40 or your out-of-pocket costs, whichever is less.

This offer must be presented at the pharmacy and all benefits utilized by 12/31/12. Patients enrolled after 12/31/2011 will only be eligible for the number of refills up to the program expiration date of 12/31/2012.

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

CARES Foundation If you can't afford your MIRAPEX ER,
our patient assistance program
may be able to help. Call 1-800-556-8317.