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Rytary: 7 things you should know

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on April 3, 2023.

1. How it works

2. Upsides

3. Downsides

If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include:

Note: In general, seniors or children, people with certain medical conditions (such as liver or kidney problems, heart disease, diabetes, seizures) or people who take other medications are more at risk of developing a wider range of side effects. View complete list of side effects

4. Bottom Line

Rytary is an extended-release (long-lasting) medication that may be used for the treatment of Parkinson's disease that is available in four different strengths: Rytary 23.75/95, Rytary 36.25/145, Rytary 48.75/195, and Rytary 61.25/245. Nausea, dizziness, a headache, dry mouth, and insomnia are the most common side effects reported with Rytary and it has an advantage over immediate-release forms of carbidopa/levodopa (such as Sinemet) in that it only needs to be dosed three times a day.

5. Tips

6. Response and effectiveness

7. Interactions

Medicines that interact with Rytary may either decrease its effect, affect how long it works, increase side effects, or have less of an effect when taken with Rytary. An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of the medications; however, sometimes it does. Speak to your doctor about how drug interactions should be managed.

Common medications that may interact with Rytary include:

Avoid drinking alcohol or taking illegal or recreational drugs while taking Rytary.

Rytary may be given to people receiving supplemental pyridoxine (vitamin B6) because carbidopa inhibits the pyridoxine-increased decarboxylation of levodopa.

Note that this list is not all-inclusive and includes only common medications that may interact with Rytary. You should refer to the prescribing information for Rytary for a complete list of interactions.

References

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Rytary only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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