REQUIP XL for Early
and Advanced
Parkinson’s Disease
Taken once a day, REQUIP XL can be an effective treatment in both early and advanced stages of Parkinson’s disease.
Early stage Parkinson’s disease
During the early stages of Parkinson’s disease, REQUIP XL can often be taken alone (monotherapy). Meaning, you can take it without any other Parkinson’s medicine.
Advanced stage Parkinson's disease
As Parkinson’s progresses, you may need to take REQUIP XL with other medications (adjunct therapy).
REQUIP XL may help delay the time until you need levodopa (L-dopa). L-dopa is another Parkinson's disease medicine. If you’re already taking L-dopa, adding
REQUIP XL may help reduce how much L-dopa you need each day.
REQUIP XL may also help delay or reduce symptoms of dyskinesia, the abnormal, involuntary jerking, fidgeting, twisting, and/or turning movements associated with
L-dopa.
As PD progresses, symptoms, including tremors, rigidity and bradykinesia, may become more severe and be noticeable on both sides of the body. In very advanced stages, patients may experience a significant loss of balance and may be restricted to a bed or wheelchair.
The progression of Parkinson’s disease, including the duration of each stage, varies from person to person. Symptoms, too, are different from person to person.
There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, though researchers are working to find ways to stop the nerve cell damage it causes. REQUIP XL taken alone or with other medications (adjunct therapy) can help you gain more control of Parkinson’s disease symptoms.
Prescription REQUIP XL is not for everyone. REQUIP XL may cause you to fall asleep or feel very sleepy during normal activities such as driving; or to faint or feel dizzy, nauseated, or sweaty when you stand up. Tell your doctor if you experience these or the following problems, or if you drink alcohol or are taking other medicines that make you drowsy. Side effects may include nausea, dizziness, drowsiness or sleepiness, headache, and sudden uncontrolled movements (dyskinesia). Increase or decrease in blood pressure and heart rate may occur. Hallucinations may occur at any time during treatment. Also tell your doctor if you experience new or increased gambling, sexual, or other intense urges while taking REQUIP XL. REQUIP XL may increase the side effects of L-dopa. Most patients were not bothered enough to stop taking REQUIP XL.