Questions and Answers
The information provided here is a summary of REQUIP XL and should not take the place of discussions with your doctor about your medical condition or REQUIP XL. For more information about REQUIP XL, a prescription medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
What is REQUIP XL?
What is a dopamine agonist?
How does REQUIP XL treat Parkinson’s disease?
Who should take REQUIP XL?
What are the side effects of REQUIP XL?
Will REQUIP XL interfere with other medications I might be taking?
I’m currently taking another medicine, can I switch to REQUIP XL?
I’m currently satisfied with immediate-release ropinirole but my doctor wants to switch me to REQUIP XL. What makes REQUIP XL better?
As a caregiver, I found the dosing for immediate-release ropinirole complicated. What can I expect with REQUIP XL?
What is REQUIP XL?
REQUIP XL is a prescription medicine used to treat Parkinson’s disease. It is the first dopamine agonist that can be taken by mouth only once a day.Back to Top
What is a dopamine agonist?
A dopamine agonist is a medicine that acts like the chemical dopamine in a person’s brain. Dopamine is a key brain chemical that affects body movements.Back to Top
How does REQUIP XL treat Parkinson’s disease?
REQUIP XL acts like dopamine in the brain, sending signals that lessen the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.REQUIP XL is a once-daily medicine that delivers medicine smoothly or continuously throughout the day, with fewer ups and downs in medicine levels.
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What are the advantages or benefits of REQUIP XL?
REQUIP XL can be used to treat both early and late stage Parkinson’s disease, and can help:
Reduce daily pill intake
Reduce Parkinson’s disease symptoms
Simplify your treatment schedule
Lower your L-dopa dose if you are currently taking L-dopa
Talk to your doctor to learn more and find out if REQUIP XL is right for you.
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What are the side effects of REQUIP XL?
While not everyone who takes REQUIP XL will experience these side effects, talk to your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms: Fainting
Sleepiness
Hallucinations
Dizziness
Nausea or vomiting
Uncontrolled sudden movements
Leg swelling
Fatigue
Headache
Upset stomach
Increased sweating
You should also try taking REQUIP XL with food if you experience nausea. This is not a complete list of side effects and should not take the place of discussions with your healthcare providers. Your healthcare provider or pharmacist can give you a more complete list of possible side effects.
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Will REQUIP XL interfere with other medications I might be taking?
It's important to tell your doctor if you’re taking any over-the-counter or prescription medicines as some of these medicines may increase your chances of getting side effects while taking REQUIP XL. You should not start or stop taking any medicines without talking with your doctor. REQUIP XL can be used safely and effectively with most medications.Back to Top
I’m currently taking another medicine, can I switch to REQUIP XL?
If you are already taking immediate-release ropinirole, your doctor can switch you directly to REQUIP XL. Your first switching dose of REQUIP XL will most closely match your total daily dose of immediate-release ropinirole.I’m currently satisfied with immediate-release ropinirole but my doctor wants to switch me to REQUIP XL. What makes REQUIP XL better?
REQUIP XL is a once-daily medicine that delivers medicine smoothly throughout the day. Switching to REQUIP XL from immediate-release ropinirole may also help reduce your pill burden.As a caregiver, what can I expect with REQUIP XL?
Dosing with REQUIP XL is simple. REQUIP XL is taken only once a day. With REQUIP XL, unlike immediate-release ropinirole, you can avoid the inconvenience of having to give multiple daily doses.For patients currently taking immediate-release ropinirole, they can be switched directly to REQUIP XL at the dose that most closely matches their total daily dose of immediate-release ropinirole.
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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.