Independent Review Of New Parkinson's Medicine

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13th January 2010, 12:00pm - Views: 677





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MEDIA RELEASE

13 January 2010


Independent review of new Parkinson’s medicine 


Parkinson’s disease affects more than 80,000 Australians. In the latest edition of Medicine Update the

National Prescribing Service (NPS) provides an independent review of pramipexole (Sifrol), which can

be used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.


Medicine Update is an online publication aimed at consumers and provides independent information

about medicines added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme to help people have informed

discussions about new medicines with their health professionals.


Parkinson’s disease is a disease of the brain that affects movement. The key characteristics include

shakiness (especially in the hands), muscle stiffness and slowness of movement. These symptoms

are caused by a lack of dopamine, a naturally-occurring chemical produced in the brain. Pramipexole

is one of several medicines called ‘dopamine agonists’ that work in a similar way to dopamine.  


“People in the early stages of Parkinson’s disease who are thinking about starting a medicine for the

first time may be able to choose between a dopamine agonist like pramipexole, and levodopa,

another medicine commonly used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Either medicine can

be suitable, but the choice is not simple and depends on each patient’s situation and preferences,”

NPS clinical adviser, Judith Mackson said. 


“Eventually most people with Parkinson’s disease will take levodopa to help control their symptoms.

Levodopa is known to be effective but can have some unpleasant long-term side effects. Starting out

with a dopamine agonist such as pramipexole may mean that people can delay starting treatment with

levodopa. This, in turn, can delay some of the long-term side effects of levodopa.”


Pramipexole may also be used when the disease has progressed. In this case pramipexole is usually

added to levodopa. 


However, pramipexole may not control the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease as well as levodopa, and

it is not without its own side effects — for example, it’s more common to experience hallucinations and

confusion with pramipexole than with levodopa. 


“In the end the decision needs to balance the potential side effects of the medicines with how well

they control symptoms,” Ms Mackson said. 


Pramipexole is available in three different strengths so as with all medicines it’s important to

understand which strength you have been prescribed and how often it needs to be taken. When

starting any new medicine read the consumer information leaflet and talk to your doctor or pharmacist

if you have any questions.


To learn more about the issues that need to be considered before taking pramipexole including short-

term and long-term benefits and side effects, download Medicines Update at www.nps.org.au.



ENDS


Media enquiries to Katie Butt, NPS Media Adviser, 02 8217 8667 or kbutt@nps.org.au  



The National Prescribing Service Limited (NPS) is an independent, not-for-profit organisation for quality use of

medicines funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.






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