[lurkingforacure]

Has anyone taken the generic form of mirapex and if so, how did it compare to name brand? I tried to ask the pharmacist but other than informing me the active ingredient is the same (gee, I'd never have figured that one out, thanks so much) he couldn't say. Thanks.

[wendy s]

I was switched from brand name to generic awhile ago. Didn't notice any difference at all.

[girija]

Originally Posted by lurkingforacure

Has anyone taken the generic form of mirapex and if so, how did it compare to name brand? I tried to ask the pharmacist but other than informing me the active ingredient is the same (gee, I'd never have figured that one out, thanks so much) he couldn't say. Thanks.

I am no longer on Mirapex or the generic version, I have been off for about a year now. My experiences with the generic version have been not positive at all. This is a long story, bear with me! I was on mirapex at 1mg/day dose for three years post diagnosis. It worked extremely well and relieved all my PD symptoms.

Then I moved to India, Mirapex was not available there at that time and I had to switch over to a locally available generic version of Mirapex (Pramipex/Pramipexole). It was far less effective than the brand name in terms of relief from PD symptoms. I was taking 2mg of the generic as opposed to 1 mg/day of Mirapex to get the benefit of the medication. With an increase in dosage and/or switching to a generic, I was a classic case of DA-induced OCD, shopped like crazy, addicted to computer and work, excessive daytime sleep, night time insomnia and swelling of feet and ankles and weight gain. Interesting thing is that I didnot think that it was drug-induced though I would doze off in the middle of conversations at work! Fortunately, I didnot drive while I was there, I am positive I would have gotten into accidents if I did.
After my return to USA, I switched back to Mirapex, but had to continue at 2-3mg dosage and had to add Carbidopa too. My OCD continued and ..... finally I went off Mirapex about an year ago..... When I look back, generic version probably was more effective in enhancing my OCD and less effective with PD symptoms.

Thats my two cents worth. As you know each one reacts to PD medication differently. My one suggestion is to keep an eye on OCD
behavior if you need to switch from name brand to generic version of Mirapex.

Girija