With MyRYTARY.com, you get free personalized support that helps you:
We will contact your insurance provider to help determine your coverage, and help you navigate the approval process through:
- Rapid benefits investigation
- Assistance in understanding and navigating the prior authorization process
- Assistance with the exception and appeals process
- MyRYTARY Start Program
This program may provide you with RYTARY at no cost during the payer approval and dose adjustment processes.- Up to three (3) months
- If delays in the Payer Approval process persist beyond three (3) months, additional free product may be available upon request. Please call for terms and conditions.
Enrolling in the MyRYTARY Patient Support Program is easy!
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Patient Enrollment Form
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between 8AM and 8PM (EASTERN TIME ZONE).
We can help you find options that make RYTARY more affordable, regardless of your insurance type.
PRIVATE/COMMERCIAL HEALTH INSURANCE
RYTARY Co-Pay Savings Card
If you have commercial health insurance and meet eligibility requirements, you will pay no more than $25 per month* for RYTARY.
- Up to a maximum benefit of $100.00. Applies to both first and, if required, second co-pay.
- Not valid for patients enrolled in Medicare or Medicaid. Benefits subject to eligibility criteria.
*Click here for terms, conditions, and eligibility criteria.
MEDICARE OR MEDICAID
Foundation Referral
If you need additional financial support, we can provide you information on independent foundations that may be able to help.
LIMITED OR NO INSURANCE
The MyRYTARY Patient Assistance Program may be able to provide you with extra financial assistance. Learn more at RYTARY.com/patients-resources or call 1-877-764-9021.
between 8AM and 8PM (EASTERN TIME ZONE).
Case Management
Informational phone calls about RYTARY
Educational Resources
Ongoing tips, tools, and other resources sent via mail, e-mail, and online
Patient Starter Kit
This comprehensive guide to RYTARY covers everything from how it works to what to expect in the first few days.
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Symptom Journal
This daily diary lets you record your symptoms so you can have more meaningful conversations with your healthcare provider.
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Taking RYTARY Reminders
This booklet has tips that help you remember when and how to take your RYTARY dose.
Print NowLiving with Parkinson’s Disease
Staying optimistic while living with Parkinson's disease
Staying optimistic is an important quality to maintain when dealing with any illness. You can take steps in the right direction by learning as much as you can about your medication and asking your doctor about making any practical lifestyle changes.
Areas to focus on include:
- Diet and nutrition.
- Exercising body and mind.
- Involving family and caregivers.
- Maintaining an optimistic attitude.
- Surrounding yourself with positive people.
- Learning something new that you enjoy.
- Getting enough sleep.
- Making your home safe.
Nutrition & Exercise
Eating well when you have Parkinson's1,2
Good nutrition is important at any age. When you have Parkinson's disease, there are a few nutrition guidelines to keep in mind:
- Eat a balanced diet.
- Talk to your doctor or a nutritionist if you need help.
- Fiber can be helpful for Parkinson's patients.
- Drink enough water.
- Tell your doctor about any prescription medications, vitamins, supplements, or other over-the-counter medications you are taking.
Exercising body and mind3,4
People who have Parkinson's disease and exercise regularly do better than those who don't exercise. So if you have a favorite exercise or activity that you enjoy, be sure to stick with it.
Talk to your doctor or a movement disorder specialist about specific physical activities that you think you might be able to handle. Along with safety, what matters most is that you enjoy the activity and will make it a daily habit.
For the body4
- Walking.
- Yoga/tai chi.
- Marching to music while swinging your arms.
- Aerobics or dance class.
- Video sports games and balance activities.
- Before starting any physical activity or exercise plan, be sure to talk to your doctor. He or she will help you tailor these or other exercises to suit your abilities and condition.
For the mind4
- Jigsaw or crossword puzzles.
- Board games such as chess, backgammon, checkers, and more.
- Card games with friends, or solo games such as solitaire.
- Sudoku or other memory games.
- Reading. Visit your local library on a regular basis.
- Consider playing games with your loved ones on a regular basis. Schedule a game night for one night a week to help keep you sharp. There are also plenty of online games to challenge and stimulate you mentally.4
Online games sites
MSN is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
Big Fish Games is a registered trademark of Big Fish Games, Inc.
Lumosity is a registered trademark of Lumos Labs, Inc.
Caregivers
Involving your family and caregivers
Taking care of your health is a team effort. This team includes you, your doctor, your family, and any other friends or caregivers who may support you. Good communication may help you stay on top of your condition and builds a foundation for helping you to remain optimistic. Be sure to tell your family and caregivers as much as you can about how you are feeling so they can assist you.
Create a support system1
Whatever steps you take to treat your condition, it's important to create a strong support system around you. This could be your family friends, members of your community, support groups, online associations, and, of course, your healthcare team. Studies show that social support is key for maintaining your physical and mental health. When it comes to Parkinson's, know that you are not alone.
Benefits of a support group2
- Gives you a space to talk about your feelings.
- Gives you a sense of empowerment.
- May reduce stress or anxiety.
Tips for caregivers3
- Respect the journey. Remember that everyone is having a unique journey with Parkinson's. Just because you know someone else with Parkinson's doesn't mean you can make assumptions, particularly about how slowly or quickly your loved one's disease may be progressing.
- Talk openly to each other about the condition and what each of you may be going through.
- Don't let this disease take over. While this is a challenge, don't forget who your loved one is. Your loved one may have a disease, but he or she is not “the” disease.
- Learn more about Parkinson's disease. Find a support group for caregivers and families of patients. Talk to your doctor, a Parkinson's disease social worker, or a nurse. Or contact the National Parkinson Foundation or the American Parkinson Disease Association. See other organizations here.
- Seek support from other caregivers, friends, and family.
- Take good care of yourself. You can't help another person if you are run down yourself. Be gentle on yourself.
- Continue to do activities you enjoy, such as meeting with friends, going to the movies, exercising, or participating in your hobbies. If you maintain your own separate life, you will be better equipped to be a good caregiver.
Other support for caregivers
Parkinson's Disease Foundation
1-800-457-6676
pdf.org
AARP Caregiving Resource Center
1-877-333-5885
aarp.org
Helpguide.org
helpguide.org
Helping Children Understand Parkinson’s Disease1
Keep it simple and encourage questions
Young children, whether they're told about your condition or begin to notice it themselves, may have a variety of reactions. They may be confused or worried. They may want to know why you have Parkinson's disease, if they'll get it, or what will happen in the future. They'll most likely ask many questions. Be prepared to answer them calmly and clearly. Be realistic yet optimistic, and let them know what they can do to help.
- Explain your diagnosis using simple language. Talk about the symptoms and any changes in your behavior they might start to notice.
- If you'll be sharing your diagnosis with more than one child, you may want to initially talk to them one at a time.
- Encourage each child to ask questions, and expect that some of them may be of a sensitive nature.
- Talk about how they can explain the disease to other children.
- For additional tips, click here.
Adapting Your Home
Make your home safe when you live with Parkinson's1
It's important for everyone to feel comfortable and secure in his or her own home, especially for those experiencing the challenges of Parkinson's disease. That's why it can be helpful to look over your home to make sure it's a safe living space for you and your family members.
Whether it's you or your family member living with Parkinson's, the goal is to make your home as safe and secure as possible for all. Remember to put yourself in their shoes.
Throughout the house
- Remove clutter and sharp edges throughout the house in case of falls.
- Remove throw rugs that could slip.
- Make sure pathways and walkways are free of clutter including cords and throw rugs.
- Add nonskid surfaces to all steps.
- Keep medications and healthcare supplies in easy-to-find, colorful storage containers.
- Make sure you have working smoke alarms and check the batteries monthly.
In the bath
- Consider a bath bench or shower stool.
- Use an elevated toilet seat.
- Add a grab bar to the wall of a tub or shower and another next to the toilet.
- Add nonskid decals to the bath or shower floor.
- Place nightlights in the bathroom and in the bedroom path to the bathroom.
Basic tips
- Keep emergency numbers near all telephones.
- Keep a notebook of all medications and daily routines.
- Consider working with a social worker or geriatric case manager.
- Wherever possible, add handrails and grab bars to the home.
- Use chairs with straight backs and arms rests—this will help in getting up out of a chair and in sitting down.
- Avoid using extension cords that can create tripping hazards.
Lastly, creating a safe home for you or your loved one with Parkinson's disease does not have to be overwhelming. Remember to take it one room at a time. It can also be a great opportunity to help educate family members about the challenges of Parkinson's disease by making it a family project and having everyone take a task to help.
More at-home safety tips for people living with Parkinson's
Parkinson's Disease Foundation Safety at Home
pdf.org
National Parkinson Foundation
parkinson.org
About Health
parkinsons.about.com
between 8AM and 8PM (EASTERN TIME ZONE).
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Do not take RYTARY with antidepressant medications known as nonselective monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors because taking these two drugs within two weeks of each other can result in high blood pressure.
Taking RYTARY may result in falling asleep while engaged in normal activities, even without warning and as late as one year after starting to take RYTARY. Other sedating medicines and alcohol taken together with RYTARY may have additional sedative effects. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any kind of sleep disorder or are experiencing drowsiness or sleepiness.
Some side effects of taking RYTARY including sleepiness and dizziness may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. Do not drive a car, operate a machine, or do anything that requires you to be alert until you know how RYTARY affects you.
Talk to your healthcare provider before you lower the dose or stop taking RYTARY, as this may result in serious side effects. Call your healthcare provider immediately if you develop withdrawal symptoms such as fever, confusion, or severe muscle stiffness.
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider if you have any heart conditions, especially if you have had a heart attack or experience irregular heartbeat. Some people with a history of or risk factors for heart disease have experienced heart problems while taking RYTARY.
Some patients taking RYTARY can experience hallucinations (unreal visions, sounds, or sensations) or abnormal thoughts and behaviors (such as excessive suspicion, believing things that are not real, confusion, agitation, aggressive behavior, and disorganized thinking). If you have hallucinations or abnormal thoughts or behaviors, talk with your healthcare provider.
Some patients taking certain medicines to treat Parkinson’s disease have intense urges to gamble, increased sexual urges, other intense urges, and the inability to control those urges. If you or your family members notice that you are developing unusual urges or behaviors, talk to your healthcare provider.
Tell your healthcare provider if abnormal involuntary movements appear or get worse during treatment with RYTARY.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had an ulcer, because RYTARY may increase your chances of having bleeding in your stomach.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have glaucoma, because RYTARY may increase the pressure in your eyes.
Parkinson’s disease patients are at an increased risk of developing melanoma, a form of skin cancer. See your healthcare provider for regular skin examinations when taking RYTARY.
The most common side effects that may occur with RYTARY include nausea, dizziness, headache, sleeplessness, abnormal dreams, dry mouth, abnormal involuntary movements, anxiety, constipation, vomiting, and low blood pressure upon rising. Rise slowly after sitting or lying down for a prolonged period.
In post marketing use, some patients taking RYTARY have experienced suicidal thoughts or have attempted suicide. A causal relationship has not been established. Tell your healthcare provider if you have thoughts of suicide or have attempted suicide.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects while taking RYTARY. He or she can make adjustments that may reduce these effects.
Notify your healthcare provider if you become pregnant or intend to become pregnant during therapy or if you intend to breast-feed or are breast-feeding an infant.
Make sure you tell your healthcare provider about all of the prescription and non-prescription medications you take, including supplements, and especially those for Parkinson’s disease, heart disease, blood pressure, abnormal thoughts, tuberculosis, and sleep problems, and supplements containing iron. Do not take other carbidopa-levodopa preparations with RYTARY without consulting your healthcare provider.
Be sure to take your medicine as instructed. You may take RYTARY with or without food; however, taking RYTARY with food may decrease or delay its effect. For this reason consider taking the first dose of the day about 1 to 2 hours before eating. Swallow RYTARY whole; do not chew, divide, or crush. If you have difficulty swallowing the capsule, twist apart both halves and sprinkle the entire contents of both halves of the capsule on a small amount of applesauce (1 to 2 tablespoons). Consume the mixture immediately. Do not store the drug/food mixture for future use.
Note: The above information for patients being treated with RYTARY is intended to aid in the safe and effective use of this medication. It is not a disclosure of all possible adverse or intended effects.
INDICATION
RYTARY is a prescription medication that contains a combination of carbidopa and levodopa for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, Parkinson’s disease caused by infection or inflammation of the brain, or Parkinson’s disease resulting from carbon monoxide or manganese poisoning.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS contact Impax Laboratories, Inc. at 1-877-994-6729.
Please read the full Prescribing Information For more information go to RYTARY.com and/or talk to your healthcare provider.
References:
1. Traviss K. Nutrition and Parkinson’s disease: what matters most? Parkinson’s Disease Foundation website.
http://www.pdf.org/en/winter06_07_Nutrition_and_Parkinson. Accessed September 13, 2016.
2. Parkinson's disease health center: eating right with Parkinson's disease. WebMD.
http://www.webmd.com/parkinsons-disease/guide/eating-right. Accessed September 13, 2016.
3. Golbe LI, Mark MH, Safe JI. Treatment. In: Mark MH, ed. Parkinson’s Disease Handbook. New Brunswick, NJ: The American Parkinson Disease Association, Inc.; 2010:21-31.
4. Exercise and physical therapy. Parkinson’s Disease Clinic and Research Center at University of California, San Francisco website.
http://pdcenter.neurology.ucsf.edu/patients-guide/exercise-and-physical-therapy. Accessed September 13, 2016.
References:
1. Umberson D, Montex JK. Social relationships and health: a flashpoint for health policy. NIH Public Access Author Manuscript. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3150158. Accessed September 13, 2016.
2. Stress management—Support groups: make connections, get help. Mayo Clinic website. http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/stress-management/in-depth/support-groups/art-20044655. Accessed September 13, 2016.
3. The PD partnership: tips for people with PD and their care partners. Parkinson’s Disease Foundation website. www.pdf.org/pdf/fs_pd_partnership_08.pdf. Accessed September 13, 2016.
Reference:
1. Umberson D, Montex JK. Social relationships and health: a flashpoint for health policy. NIH Public Access Author Manuscript. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3150158. Accessed September 13, 2016.
Reference:
1. Adapting your home for Parkinson’s disease. WebMD website. http://webmd.com/parkinsons-disease/guide/parkinsons-home-safety. Accessed September 13, 2016.
RYTARY® and MyRYTARY® are registered trademarks of Impax Laboratories, Inc.
All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.
© 2016 Impax Laboratories, Inc. All rights reserved. PP-RYT-US-0050 12/16
