Generic Name: PRAMIPEXOLE - ORAL
Pronounced: (pram-ih-PEX-ole)

Mirapex Oral Precautions

See also Side Effects section.

Before taking pramipexole, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

• low blood pressure
• heart problems (such as irregular heartbeat, heart failure)
• kidney problems
• mental/mood disorders (such as confusion, hallucinations, psychosis, schizophrenia)
• sleep disorder (such as sleep apnea, narcolepsy)

Kidney function declines as you grow older. This medication is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, elderly people may be at a greater risk for side effects such as dizziness and hallucinations while using this drug.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This drug may pass into breast milk and could have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. It may also affect milk production. Therefore, breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Mirapex Oral Side Effects

See also How to Use section.

Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, trouble sleeping, constipation, headache, cough, or dry mouth may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:

• mental/mood changes (such as confusion, depression, hallucinations)
• muscle cramps/spasm

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur:

• swelling of the ankles/feet
• chest pain
• trouble breathing
• compulsive behaviors (such as pathological gambling)
• muscle pain/weakness
• unusual tiredness
• change in amount of urine
• vision changes

Some people taking pramipexole have reported falling asleep suddenly during their usual daily activities (such as talking on the phone, driving). In some cases, sleep occurred without any feelings of drowsiness beforehand. This sleep effect may occur any time during treatment with pramipexole, including up to 1 year after starting the medication. Therefore, you should not drive or take part in other possibly dangerous activities until you are certain that this medication will not cause drowsiness or sudden sleep. If you experience increased sleepiness or fall asleep during the day, do not drive or take part in other possibly dangerous activities until you have discussed this effect with your doctor. Your risk is increased with use of alcohol or other medications that can make you drowsy. You may also develop a sudden drop in blood pressure, which can cause dizziness, nausea, sweating, and fainting. This is more likely when you are first starting the medication, when your dose is increased, or when you get up suddenly. To lower your risk, get up slowly from a sitting or lying position.

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