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Parkinson's Disease
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Posted 9/26/2015 9:42 AM (GMT 0)
I can't find the original post, but some have asked about the neuroprotective effects of Azilect. I am a 69 yo. physician who started Azilect 1mg daily as part of the Adagio Study 8 years ago. I had very early Parkinson's with R sided arm and hand tremor and stiffness and some subtle gait problems. During the year or so only on Azilect alone, I did not improve , but I did not worsen. Then I started Mirapex, which immediately helped my symptoms and allowed me to resume piano playing. I was on small doses of Mirapex and Sinemet combined with Azilect for the last 6 years. I am now tapering off Mirapex (due to side effects), and have increased the dose of Sinemet to compensate. It is my belief that my PD has NOT progressed in the 8 years I am on Azilect. I therefore believe that , yes, Azilect may well be neuroprotective ! I would never consider stopping it.
Posted 9/28/2015 5:26 PM (GMT 0)
Geno63:

I am glad you're getting great results with Azilect. Good to know that we have other options. I have been on Sinemet only(3 times a day) and have absolutely no symptoms. Sometimes I even take just two a day with no changes.

I exercise 1 hour a day Mon-Friday (weightlifting and bike).

Posted 10/1/2015 1:43 AM (GMT 0)
El Torito: Hi, since you are doing so well, which is terrific, I suggest you discuss with your neurologist adding Azilect to your regimen. This may well prevent the progression of the disease, or at least slow it down. Other than the expense, assuming no side effects, it certainly couldn't hurt. You sound like an ideal candidate.
Posted 10/4/2015 1:54 PM (GMT 0)
Geno
My story is similar to yours. November '07 I had serious abdominal surgery (colectomy). It turned into peritonitis. Helicopter, from our small town, to a hospital that could handle my situation. When I got back home days later I noticed that my right hand and leg were not normal. Thought it was a small stroke. Few months later I started with right hand tremors. Went to neurologist. He gave me sinemet to BUY ME A FEW YEARS!!!! Researched other meds and found Azilect. Neuro refused saying it was too expensive. NOT HIS CHOICE TO MAKE! Went to a movement disorder specialist. He agreed sinemet was not the drug to start with. Save it for later. Started Azilect only. No symptoms or progression until about 2013. Added Ropinirole (requip). Played with dosage for a few months and settled on 1mg 3x along with Azilect. November 2014 we added 25/100 carbidopa/levadopa 3x (sinemet). I have no symptoms or restrictions. I do everything and anything I want. If I don't tell you I have PD you would not know. I credit Azilect for my good fortune. As expensive as it is I think it's CHEAP!
Side story. When I was first diagnosed I started playing ping-pong against myself. You can set up the table for play back. I thought it would help with reflexes and coordination. I got pretty good. I am right handed. One evening while playing I hit the ball to my far left. I switched the paddle to my left hand and returned the ball. I had never held a paddle in my left hand before. I immediately found it natural to switch back and forth while playing alone or with a real opponent. I amaze others as well as myself. I think PD had something to do with it.

Dan
Posted 10/30/2015 3:52 PM (GMT 0)
Diagnosed roughly 6 years ago; symptoms right side tremor, stiffness, mild gait changes. Started on Azilect 1 mg and RequipXL 2mg. Increased slowly Requip over first four years to 8mg and started having severe side effects: insomnia, fluid retention. Immediately stopped Requip, started Stalevo 125 (3x), side effects disappeared totally; dropped 30 pounds of fluid weight in three weeks and was able to sleep again.
After six years on Azilect and two on Stalevo, at last doctor visit, my neurologist at Emory Movement Disorders commented that my progression is near the slowest he's ever encountered.
I think Azilect may be the reason for the slow to non-existent progression and so far has eliminated the need for increased levadopa.
Posted 10/31/2015 10:59 PM (GMT 0)
Alex1
I credit Azilect for my lack of progression too.

Dan
Posted 11/17/2015 11:07 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you all for sharing this. My husband was diagnosed with Parkinson's in June and he is taking Azilect. We have a very high deductible that we met this year, but next year we'll be starting out at $400 a month prescriptions for Azilect again. It is still worth it knowing that it has made a difference for some of you. I can't wait until the generic comes on the market.
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