[kk13]

I have been on Neupro for several weeks now with little, if any noticeable benefits. I realize I'm starting at a low dose and it takes time for the body/brain to adjust, etc.

In the literature that comes with the Rx, under Pharmacokinetics it indicates that, in the clinical studies that were done, "Relative bioavailability for the different application sites at steady state was evaluated...Differences in bioavailability ranged from less than 1% (abdomen vs hip) to 64% (shoulder vs thigh) with shoulder application showing higher bioavailability)."

Does this mean I can expect to "absorb" more of the drug and get better symptom relief when I apply the patch to my shoulder vs my thigh? And if it does, aside from possible skin irritation, is there any reason not to place the patch around the shoulder area every day?

According to Dr. Okun (NPF "Ask the Doctor") , the above comments are "in general on point." Can this be right??? I thought the whole idea of the patch was to "level-out" the amount of sinemet in the bloodstream. Instead, according to the studies that were done by the manufacturer, the bioavailabilty can vary wildly depending on where you place the patch!
Man, this is frustrating! Any thoughts? Anyone?
Keith