Pharmaceuticals

Carbidopa-Levodopa

The “gold standard” medication for people with Parkinson’s, George is taking two different dosages of this currently.  He took this previously, changed to Rytary, and is now back on this.  It is helping him somewhat, but he continues to have movement difficulty.

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Neupro

Neupro is a trans-dermal patch, which means it is like a bandage that adheres to the skin.  In George’s case, it was very effective helping him with movement difficulties.  But, the area where applied must be free of hair (hard to do with George!) so shaving beforehand was essential.

There were two notable side effects:  (1) mild skin irritation, and (2) swelling in the extremities.  George wanted to apply the patches on his upper thigh so the shaved spots would never be visible.  It seemed to us that the close proximity to the lower legs exacerbated the swelling.  a round of Lasix and compression stockings helped the swelling, but it was not until we stopped the Neupro that the swelling completed subsided.

We no longer use this medication.

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Rytary

Rytary is a very expensive drug that is effective with many patients.  For George, it was less effective.  One reason may have been that he is accustomed to eating a high protein diet, and the Rytary manufacturer states that protein can inhibit its effectiveness.

Even with insurance, our co-payment for a 90-day supply of this drug approached $1000.  However, initially the drug company, then later The Assistance Fund was able to provide assistance with the cost.  We were obliged to complete a lengthy on-line form with financial information in order for The Assistance Fund to cover the cost.

After a year of trial with Rytary, we determined together with our neurologist that we should revert to the conventional carbidopa/levodopa.

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