Gocovri

Generic name: Amantadine
Drug class: Dopaminergic antiparkinsonism agents

Usage of Gocovri

Gocovri is a prescription medicine containing amantadine.

Gocovri is used to treat dyskinesia (sudden uncontrolled movements) in people with Parkinson's disease who are treated with levodopa or levodopa plus other medicines that increase the effects of dopamine in the brain.

Gocovri is also used with the medicines levodopa and Carbidopa in people with Parkinson’s disease who are having “off” episodes.

Gocovri may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Gocovri side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Gocovri: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

extreme drowsiness, falling asleep suddenly even after feeling alert;

a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling in your hands or feet;

painful or difficult urination;

depression, agitation, aggression, behavior changes, hallucinations, thoughts of hurting yourself;

a seizure; or

severe nervous system reaction--very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors.

You may have increased sexual urges, unusual urges to gamble, or other intense urges while taking Gocovri. Talk with your doctor if this occurs.

Side effects may be more likely in older adults.

Common Gocovri side effects may include:

dizziness, falls;

dry mouth;

swelling in your legs or feet;

nausea, constipation; or

sleep problems (insomnia).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Gocovri

You should not use Gocovri if you are allergic to amantadine, or if:

you have severe kidney disease; or

you have received a "live" nasal flu vaccine (FluMist) within the past 14 days.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

kidney disease;

daytime drowsiness (caused by a sleep disorder or taking certain medicines);

congestive heart failure;

eczema;

glaucoma;

liver disease;

a seizure;

low blood pressure, fainting spells;

alcoholism or drug addiction; or

mental illness, psychosis, or suicidal thoughts or actions.

People with Parkinson's disease may have a higher risk of skin cancer (melanoma). Talk to your doctor about this risk and what skin symptoms to watch for.

It is not known whether Gocovri will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

You should not breast-feed while using Gocovri.

Relate drugs

How to use Gocovri

Usual Adult Dose for Parkinson's Disease Extended-release (ER) capsules: Initial dose: 137 mg orally once a day for 1 week, then 274 mg orally once a day; doses should be taken at bedtime. Take orally once a day at bedtime with or without food -Swallow whole; do not crush, chew, or divide capsules -If unable to swallow whole, may open the capsule and sprinkle the entire contents on a small amount of soft food and swallow immediately without chewing. -Concomitant use with alcohol is not recommended as it may result in dose-dumping.

Renal Dose Adjustments: Extended-release capsules: -Mild renal impairment (CrCl 60 to 89 mL/min/1.73 m2): No adjustment recommended -Moderate renal impairment (CrCl 30 to 59 mL/min/1.73 m2): Initial dose: 68.5 mg orally once a day at bedtime; increase after 1 week to 137 mg/day if needed -Severe renal impairment (CrCl 15 to 29 mL/min/1.73 m2): 68.5 mg orally once a day at bedtime -ESRD: Contraindicated Note: extended-release tablets and extended-release capsules have different release profiles; they are not interchangeable.

Warnings

You should not use Gocovri if you received a nasal flu vaccine in the past 14 days.

Do not receive a nasal flu vaccine while taking Gocovri, and for at least 48 hours after your last dose.

What other drugs will affect Gocovri

Using Gocovri with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

glaucoma medication; or

medicine that contains sodium bicarbonate (such as Alka-Seltzer).

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with amantadine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Disclaimer

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