http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22326237

Abstract

PURPOSE:

This prospective, open-label extension (SP702; NCT00594165) of a 6-month double-blind, randomized study investigated the long-term safety and tolerability of rotigotine transdermal system in early Parkinson's disease (PD).

METHODS:

Patients with early-stage idiopathic PD received transdermal rotigotine for up to 6 years at optimal dose (up to 16mg/24h). Adjunctive levodopa was allowed. Primary outcomes included adverse events (AEs) and extent of rotigotine exposure. Other outcomes included time to levodopa, incidence of dyskinesias, and efficacy using the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) II+III total score.

RESULTS:

Of 217 patients entering the open-label study, 47% were still in the study upon closure; 24% withdrew because of AEs and 6% because of lack of efficacy. The median exposure to rotigotine was 1910 days (∼5 years, 3 months; range 1-2188 days). Most common AEs were somnolence (23% per patient-year), falls (17%), peripheral edema (14%), nausea (12%), and application site reactions (ASRs; 12%). 3% withdrew because of ASRs. 26% patients did not initiate levodopa; of those who did, fewer than half started levodopa in the first year. Dyskinesias were reported by 25% patients; the majority (83%) reported their first episode after initiating levodopa. Mean UPDRS II+III total scores remained below double-blind baseline for up to 2 years of open-label treatment.

CONCLUSION:

This is the longest interventional study of rotigotine conducted to date. Transdermal rotigotine was generally well tolerated for up to 6 years; AEs reported were similar to those observed in shorter studies and led to discontinuation in only 24% patients.

This is yet another article confirming (albeit indirectly) that dyskinesias begin once levodopa is begun. Not that we can do much about that, it just seems that with so many articles noting that causal connection, there would be much more research into the fact that PD is not just about dopamine.

I take "Neupro" about a year and half, but except for the first time, I well tolerated. About me improves the tremor (I think).