Gocovri

What is Gocovri?

The prescription drug Gocovri contains amantadine.Gocovri can be used to treat dyskinesia in patients with Parkinson’s disease who have been treated with either levodopa alone or with other medications that boost the effect of dopamine on the brain.Gocovri can also be used in conjunction with levodopa or carbidopa to treat Parkinson's patients who have "off" periods.Gocovri can be used in other ways not mentioned in the medication guide.

Warnings

Gocovri should not be used if you have received a nasal flu shot within the last 14 days.You should not get a flu shot for 48 hours or more after taking Gocovri.

Before you take this drug

Gocovri should not be used if amantadine is an allergy or:

• You have severe kidney failure.
• You have recently received the "live" flu nasal vaccine (flumist).

If you've ever:

• Kidney disease
• Daytime sleepiness is caused by certain medications or a sleeping disorder.
• Congestive heart failure;
• Eczema;
• Glaucoma;
• Liver disease
• A seizure;
• Low blood pressure, fainting spells;
• Drug addiction, or alcoholism
• Mental illness is defined as psychosis or thoughts of suicide or mental illness.

A higher rate of skin cancer may be seen in people with Parkinson's disease (melanoma). Speak to your doctor to learn more about the risk of skin cancer and to be aware of any symptoms.Gocovri is unknown to cause harm to an unborn child. Notify your doctor immediately if you plan to become pregnant.Gocovri should not be used while breastfeeding.

Similar/related drugs

Benadryl, diphenhydramine, ropinirole, pramipexole, benztropine, carbidopa/levodopa , amantadine

How to take Gocovri?

Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instructions sheets. Read all the instructions and directions that come with your medication. Sometimes, your doctor will change the dose.Take your medication exactly as instructed.Gocovri can be taken with or without food. This medicine may only be taken at night. You should follow your doctor's advice.Do not chew or crush the capsule.Open the capsule and add the medication to a teaspoon of applesauce if you can't swallow it whole. The mixture should be swallowed immediately without chewing. Don't save the mixture for future use.If your symptoms don't improve or you experience a fever, headache, or other symptoms, call your doctor.Do not abruptly stop taking Gocovri if you have Parkinson's symptoms. Your condition could worsen. Sudden stopping can also lead to unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Consult your doctor about how you can safely discontinue Gocovri.Keep the bottle at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. Keep the bottle closed tightly when not being used.

Details on dosage

Adult dosage for Parkinson's disease
Extended-release (ER) capsules:
Initial dose: orally, 137mg once daily for a week. Then 274mg once daily. Doses should be taken before bedtime.
Orally, once daily at bedtime.
Do not chew or crush capsules.
If you are unable to chew or swallow the capsule whole, open it and sprinkle all the contents over a little soft food. Then swallow the mixture immediately.
It is not advised to use alcohol in conjunction with this product, as the dose may be thrown out.

Renal dose adjustments:
Extended-release capsules:
No adjustments are recommended for mild renal impairment. (CrCl 60-89 mL/m2/1.73 m2).
If you have moderate renal impairment (CrCl between 30 and 59 mL/min/1.73 m2), start with 68.5mg orally at night. After 1 week, increase to 137 mg/day.
If you have severe renal impairment (CrCl between 15 and 29 mL/min/1.73 m2), take 68.5mg orally at night.
-ESRD Contraindication
Please note that extended-release tablets and capsules are different in their release profiles; therefore, they cannot be interchanged.

What happens if I miss the dose?

Do not take the dose you missed. Use your next dose as usual. Use only one dose at a time.If you have missed several doses, call your doctor.

What happens if I overdose?

Call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. A Gocovri overdose can be deadly.The symptoms of an overdose include hallucinations, severe headaches, or pounding ears. Other signs and symptoms can be muscle stiffness, problems walking or standing, difficulty breathing or maintaining balance, seizures, rapid heartbeats, or trouble with your balance.

What should be avoided?

Don't drink alcohol. Side effects can be dangerous.Amantadine may impair your thinking or reasoning. Amantadine can impair thinking and reactions. During normal activities like driving, working, speaking, or eating, some people who take Gocovri fall asleep. Even if you feel alert, it is possible to fall asleep without warning. You should be careful when driving or doing anything else that requires alertness.You may get dizzy if you stand up quickly from a seated or lying position.Do not take diet pills or stimulants such as ADHD medication without consulting your doctor. Amantadine and stimulants can cause unpleasant side effects.

Side effects of Gocovri

If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergy to Gocovri, seek immediate medical attention: itching, difficulty breathing, swelling in your lips, face, throat, or tongue.

If you experience:

• Extreme drowsiness, having difficulty concentrating even when alert.
• A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you could pass out.
• Shortness of breath, even with light exertion; swelling in the hands or feet
• Urination that is painful or difficult
• Depression, agitation, and aggression; changes in behaviour; hallucinations or thoughts about harming oneself;
• A seizure;
• Severe nervous system reaction: very stiff muscles (rigid), high fever, sweating, and confusion. Fast or irregular heartbeats

While taking Gocovri, you may experience increased sexual desire, urges to play unusual games, or any other strong urges. If this happens, talk to your doctor.

Older adults may experience more side effects.

Side effects of Gocovri include:

• Dizziness, falls;
• Dry mouth
• Swelling in the legs and feet
• Nausea, constipation,
• Sleep problems (insomnia).

There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Report side effects by calling the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Interaction with other drug

Use of Gocovri in conjunction with drugs that cause drowsiness can intensify this effect. Before taking an opioid, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, or medicines for anxiety or seizures, consult your doctor.

Inform your physician of any medications you are currently taking, including:

• Glaucoma medication;
• Medicine that contains calcium bicarbonate, such as Alka Seltzer.

The list below is not exhaustive. Amantadine may also interact with other drugs, such as prescription or over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all drug interactions.