What is Gocovri used to treat?
Gocovri (amantadine) extended-release capsules are used for treatment of dyskinesia (involuntary movement disorders) in patients with Parkinson's disease receiving levodopa-based therapy, with or without concomitant dopaminergic medications.
Dyskinesia is often a side effect of levodopa-based Parkinson's disease treatment. Approved in August 2017, Gocovri is the first medicine for the treatment of dyskinesia in Parkinson's disease patients.
In 2021, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also expanded the approval of Gocovri to include the treatment of "off" episodes in Parkinson's disease patients taking levodopa/carbidopa. "Off" episodes occur when symptoms return because the medication is not working well.
Parkinson's disease is a progressive nervous system disorder affecting movement.
References
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Gocovri. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2021/208944s004lbl.pdf. [Accessed February 4, 2021].
Read next
What is the difference between Osmolex ER and Gocovri?
The main differences between Gocovri and Osmolex ER center around their approved uses, dosage forms, strength and study designs for FDA approval. Approval of Gocovri was based on placebo-controlled clinical studies in patients with Parkinson's disease with levodopa-induced dyskinesias, whereas the effectiveness of Osmolex ER was based upon bioavailability studies that compared Osmolex ER to immediate-release amantadine. Gocovri and Osmolex ER are not interchangeable with other amantadine immediate- or extended-release products. Continue reading
Does Nuplazid treat Parkinson's disease?
Nuplazid was approved by the FDA for the treatment of psychosis (hallucinations and delusions) associated with Parkinson’s disease, which can occur in up to half of patients. Nuplazid does not treat the typical motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as tremors or shuffling gait. Continue reading
How does levodopa help Parkinson's disease?
Levodopa is a central nervous system agent that helps people with Parkinson’s because it is converted into dopamine in the brain. It helps to alleviate the symptoms of the disease by providing a supply of dopamine, which is lacking in people with Parkinson's.
Levodopa works best to help treat the slowness and stiffness or rigidity associated with Parkinson’s disease, and in some cases may treat the tremor as well. It does not slow or reduce the progression of Parkinson’s disease. Continue reading
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