Question 1

What is Gocovri?

Accepted Answer

Gocovri is a prescription medication that contains the active ingredient amantadine in an extended-release formulation. It belongs to a class of drugs known as adamantanes and acts as a dopamine agonist and an NMDA receptor antagonist.

The medication works by modulating the levels of certain natural substances and chemical messengers within the brain and nervous system. This action helps to regulate motor function and improve muscle control.

Question 2

What is Gocovri used for?

Accepted Answer

Gocovri is used to treat dyskinesia in Parkinson's disease .

Question 3

How does Gocovri work?

Accepted Answer

Mechanism of Action

The exact way Gocovri works to treat Parkinson's disease symptoms and dyskinesia is not fully understood. However, researchers believe it works by affecting two key chemicals in the brain: dopamine and glutamate.

Dopamine Regulation

Dopamine is a chemical messenger that helps control body movements. In Parkinson's disease, dopamine levels are low. Gocovri is thought to help by:

Increasing the release of dopamine from nerve cells.

Preventing the brain from reabsorbing dopamine too quickly, which keeps more of the chemical available for use.

Glutamate Blocking

Gocovri also acts as a weak NMDA receptor antagonist. This means it interferes with the activity of glutamate, another chemical messenger. High levels of glutamate activity are linked to dyskinesia, which are the sudden, uncontrolled movements often experienced by people taking levodopa for Parkinson's. By blocking some of these signals, Gocovri helps reduce these involuntary movements.

Extended-Release Delivery

Gocovri is formulated as an extended-release capsule. It is typically taken once daily at bedtime. This delivery method allows the medication levels in the blood to rise slowly overnight, reaching their highest concentration during the day when patients are most likely to experience movement difficulties.

Question 4

What are the active ingredients in Gocovri?

Accepted Answer

The active ingredient in Gocovri is amantadine .

Question 5

What are the side effects of Gocovri?

Accepted Answer

Common side effects of Gocovri may include:

hallucinations

dizziness

dry mouth

and others

Always consult with a healthcare professional about potential side effects.

Question 6

What drug class is Gocovri?

Accepted Answer

Gocovri belongs to the antiviral and antiparkinsonian agent drug class.

Question 7

What is the dosage of Gocovri and how do I take it?

Accepted Answer

How to Take Gocovri

Gocovri is taken by mouth once a day, specifically at bedtime. It can be taken with or without food.

It is important to swallow the capsules whole. Do not crush, chew, or break the capsules, as this can interfere with how the medication is released into your body.

Alternative Administration

If you have difficulty swallowing the capsule whole, you may use the following method:

Carefully open the capsule.

Sprinkle the entire contents onto a small amount of soft food, such as applesauce.

Swallow the mixture right away without chewing the medication pellets.

Do not save the mixture for later use.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Gocovri, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time the following night. Do not take extra medicine or double your dose to make up for a missed one.

Question 8

Is Gocovri safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Accepted Answer

Pregnancy

There is limited data regarding the safety of Gocovri in pregnant women. In animal studies, amantadine (the active ingredient in Gocovri) was shown to cause birth defects and other developmental issues when administered at high doses. Because of these findings, healthcare providers typically advise using this medication during pregnancy only when the potential benefit to the mother justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it is important to discuss your treatment options and the potential risks with your doctor.

Breastfeeding

Amantadine is known to pass into breast milk. There is a risk that the medication could cause adverse effects in a nursing infant. Additionally, amantadine may interfere with the body's production of breast milk by lowering prolactin levels.

Due to the potential for serious side effects in the infant and the possible reduction in milk supply, breastfeeding is generally not recommended while taking Gocovri. Patients should consult with their healthcare provider to weigh the benefits of treatment against the risks of breastfeeding.

Question 9

What forms and strengths does Gocovri come in?

Accepted Answer

Gocovri is supplied as an oral medication in the following form:

Extended-release capsules: This formulation is designed to release the medication slowly over a period of time.

Question 10

What is the FDA approval status of Gocovri?

Accepted Answer

FDA Approval and Indications

Gocovri is an extended-release form of amantadine approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It was the first medication specifically approved to treat dyskinesia (sudden, involuntary movements) in people with Parkinson’s disease who are also taking levodopa-based medications.

The FDA also approved Gocovri as an add-on treatment for Parkinson’s disease patients experiencing "off" episodes. These episodes occur when the benefits of levodopa/carbidopa wear off, causing symptoms like tremors or stiffness to return between doses.

Safety and Monitoring

The FDA does not require a boxed warning or a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) for Gocovri. However, the regulatory labeling includes warnings about the risk of hallucinations, unusual urges (such as gambling or sexual urges), and dizziness or fainting upon standing. Healthcare providers are encouraged to monitor patients for these behavioral and physical changes.

Question 11

What should I know about Gocovri and cost?

Accepted Answer

Factors Influencing Cost

The price of Gocovri can vary based on several factors, including your specific health insurance plan, the pharmacy you choose, and the dosage prescribed. Because Gocovri is a brand-name medication without a generic equivalent for its specific extended-release formulation, it may be more expensive than other forms of amantadine.

Insurance and Prior Authorization

Many insurance providers require prior authorization for Gocovri. This means your doctor must confirm with the insurance company that the medication is medically necessary before they will agree to cover the cost.

Financial Assistance

The manufacturer of Gocovri offers support programs to help manage out-of-pocket expenses. These may include:

Copay cards for eligible patients with commercial insurance.

Patient assistance programs for those who are uninsured or meet specific financial criteria.

Patients should consult their pharmacist or the manufacturer to determine which programs they may be eligible for.

Gocovri

Medication Quick Facts

📋Overview

What It's Used For

How It Works

Side Effects

Warnings & Precautions

Dosage & How to Take

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Forms & Strengths

FDA / Regulatory Status

Price Information

FAQ

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