You're not logged in. Please log in to earn stock or Bitcoin rewards on your prescription purchase.
Rytary
Rytary (generic name: carbidopa/levodopa) is a prescription medication used to treat Parkinson’s disease and Parkinsonism symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, and slowed movement. It contains two active ingredients: levodopa, which is converted to dopamine in the brain to help control movement, and carbidopa, which prevents the breakdown of levodopa before it reaches the brain, enhancing its effectiveness. Rytary is an extended-release capsule that provides longer symptom control compared to immediate-release formulations of carbidopa/levodopa.
Rx. Enter your prescription
How would you like to get your prescription? Select an option
Pharmacy pickup
Select from 35,000 pharmacies
Free two-day delivery
Coming soon!
Find a pharmacy near you. Enter your ZIP code
Are you a member? Sign up or log in.
Members have saved
$NaN
using our savings card for instant savings.
Don't pay full retail price and miss out on potential savings. Try it now—you have nothing to lose!
NaNM
worth of Satoshi has been rewarded to our members.
Everyone who signs up enjoys the benefits of earning FREE Bitcoin with every purchase.
How much Bitcoin can you earn with Rytary ?
The potential for Bitcoin rewards to increase and appreciate in value is a possibility to consider, which may occur over time.
See the value of your savings today
Today's Value
1 Bitcoin = $NaN
Bitcoin (BTC)
...
USD
$NaN
Adjust Bitcoin's potential value to see how much it could be worth
Potential Value
1 Bitcoin =
Bitcoin (BTC)
...
USD
$NaN
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Rytary take to start working?
Rytary begins working within 30 to 60 minutes of taking a dose. However, it may take several weeks for full symptom control to be achieved as the dose is adjusted.
How long does Rytary take to start working?
Rytary begins working within 30 to 60 minutes of taking a dose. However, it may take several weeks for full symptom control to be achieved as the dose is adjusted.
Can I take Rytary with food?
Yes, you can take Rytary with or without food. However, avoid high-protein meals close to dosing, as protein can interfere with the absorption of levodopa.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Rytary?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is close to your next scheduled dose. Do not double up on doses to make up for a missed one.
Can Rytary cause sleepiness?
Yes, drowsiness and sudden sleep onset are possible side effects of Rytary. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if you experience sleepiness while taking this medication.
Can Rytary cause sleepiness?
Yes, drowsiness and sudden sleep onset are possible side effects of Rytary. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if you experience sleepiness while taking this medication.
Can Rytary cause sleepiness?
Yes, drowsiness and sudden sleep onset are possible side effects of Rytary. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if you experience sleepiness while taking this medication.
Is Rytary safe for long-term use?
Yes, Rytary is often used for long-term treatment of Parkinson’s disease. However, regular monitoring by your healthcare provider is important to adjust the dose as needed and to manage any long-term side effects, such as dyskinesia or impulse control issues.
Comprehensive Drug Guide
How Does Rytary Work?
Rytary contains levodopa, which is converted into dopamine in the brain, helping to control movement in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter responsible for motor function, and its levels are low in individuals with Parkinson’s. Carbidopa is included to prevent the early breakdown of levodopa in the bloodstream, ensuring that more of it reaches the brain. This combination helps reduce the motor symptoms associated with dopamine deficiency, such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia (slowed movement).
Common Dosages
- 23.75 mg carbidopa / 95 mg levodopa
- 36.25 mg carbidopa / 145 mg levodopa
- 48.75 mg carbidopa / 195 mg levodopa
- 61.25 mg carbidopa / 245 mg levodopa
Typical Dosing
- The initial recommended dose is 23.75 mg/95 mg taken three times daily, with or without food. The dose may be adjusted by the doctor based on the patient’s response and individual needs.
- The dose can be increased gradually, usually every 3 days, to a maximum daily dose of 612.5 mg carbidopa / 2,450 mg levodopa.
- Patients switching from immediate-release carbidopa/levodopa should follow a specific conversion schedule determined by their doctor.
- Capsules should be swallowed whole and not chewed, crushed, or divided.
Typical Dosing
FDA Approved Indications
- Parkinson’s disease to improve motor symptoms such as tremor, stiffness, and bradykinesia.
- Parkinsonism symptoms caused by carbon monoxide or manganese poisoning.
- Post-encephalitic parkinsonism, which results from encephalitis.
Who Shouldn't Take Rytary?
- Known hypersensitivity to carbidopa, levodopa, or any components of the medication.
- Narrow-angle glaucoma.
- Patients taking non-selective monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as phenelzine or tranylcypromine, should stop using them at least 14 days before starting Rytary due to the risk of hypertensive crisis.
Advice From The Pharmacist
- Take Rytary consistently with or without food, but avoid high-protein meals around the time of dosing, as protein can interfere with the absorption of levodopa.
- Swallow the capsules whole. If swallowing is difficult, you may open the capsules and sprinkle the contents on a small amount of applesauce and consume immediately.
- Rytary may take several weeks to achieve the full therapeutic effect, and your doctor may adjust the dose gradually.
- Avoid abrupt discontinuation of Rytary, as it may result in withdrawal symptoms or cause a serious condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS).
- Report any unusual or sudden changes in behavior, such as hallucinations or impulsive behaviors, to your healthcare provider immediately.
Side Effects of Rytary
Common Side Effects
- Nausea
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness or sleepiness
Uncommon/Severe Side Effects
- Hallucinations or psychosis
- Impulse control problems, such as gambling or compulsive eating
- Dyskinesia (uncontrolled, involuntary movements)
- Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), characterized by high fever, confusion, muscle stiffness, and changes in heart rate or blood pressure
Risks and Warnings of Rytary
- Hallucinations and Psychosis: Rytary can cause or worsen hallucinations, particularly in elderly patients. Patients should report any changes in mental status to their healthcare provider.
- Impulse Control Disorders: Some individuals taking Rytary may develop compulsive behaviors, such as gambling, binge eating, or excessive shopping. If these occur, contact your doctor.
- Orthostatic Hypotension: Rytary may cause a drop in blood pressure when standing, leading to dizziness or fainting. Standing up slowly from a seated or lying position can help reduce this risk.
- Dyskinesia: High doses or prolonged use of Rytary may lead to dyskinesia, which is characterized by involuntary movements.
Interactions with Rytary
Common Drug Interactions
- Non-selective MAO inhibitors: These medications should not be used with Rytary due to the risk of hypertensive crisis.
- Antihypertensive medications: The combination of Rytary with blood pressure-lowering drugs can increase the risk of orthostatic hypotension.
- Anticholinergic drugs: Medications like benztropine or trihexyphenidyl may reduce the effectiveness of levodopa by delaying its absorption.
- Iron supplements: Iron can interfere with the absorption of levodopa. Separate Rytary and iron supplements by at least 2 hours.
Alternatives to Rytary
- Sinemet (carbidopa/levodopa): Another formulation of carbidopa/levodopa used to treat Parkinson’s disease.
- Stalevo (carbidopa/levodopa/entacapone): A combination medication that includes entacapone to enhance the effectiveness of levodopa.
- Mirapex (pramipexole): A dopamine agonist used to treat Parkinson’s disease symptoms.
- Requip (ropinirole): Another dopamine agonist that can be used to manage Parkinson’s symptoms.
