FDA approves new version of Parkinson's drug

There's a new treatment option available for patients with early Parkinson's disease. Mirapex ER is the "extended release" version of Mirapex, a drug that's already on the market. The difference between the two is that Mirapex ER only needs to be taken once a day, while Mirapez has to be taken three times daily.

Studies comparing the two drugs found that one daily dose of Mirapex ER improved Parkinson's symptoms to about the same degree as the three-times-daily Mirapex. The potential side effects of both drugs are similar: nausea, sweating, sleepiness, hallucination, dizziness, constipation, vomiting, fatigue, muscle spasms, and dry mouth.

Talk to your doctor about whether Mirapex ER may be an option for you.