Rytary versus Sinemet

My doctor wants me to switch to Rytary from Sinemet.

Can those of you who have tried to switch please share your experience?

[Blackfeather]

I'm a recent convert from generic c/l 25/100 to Rytary. I had to make a change because the generic c/l was no longer effective. I guess the honeymoon was over, though had only been using c/l for 3 years.

I find that Rytary on- time is about 4 hours and that is about 3.5 hours more than I was getting from Mylan C/L.. I may be wrong but I believe there are quality control issue with many of the generics, many of which are ineffective.

Rytary, at least for now, is not generic and for me that's a good thing. One major complaint: food greatly interferes with its effectiveness.

[Hidden in reply to Blackfeather]

Thanks, Blackfeather for your input. How do you deal with the interference with food?

[rhyspeace12]

Go for it. It helped my husband regulate his dopamine needs better. It is much more expensive. You can go to an assistance program that will give it to you with a free co pay each month, or for $45 a month.The Assistance Fund TAFcares.org 855 4214608.

[Hidden in reply to rhyspeace12]

Thanks

[rhyspeace12]

My husband actually has no problems with food effecting the absorption of his Rytary.

[Hidden in reply to rhyspeace12]

Thanks. How does he deal with the food intake?

[rhyspeace12 in reply to Hidden]

He doesn't pay any attention at all to when he eats ,or what he eats with the Rytary. He had problems with wearing off with Sinemet. Now all he has to do is make sure he takes his Rytary every 3.5 to 4 hours.

[Hidden in reply to rhyspeace12]

Thanks again.

[Donzim]

Rytary was excellent.

[Hidden in reply to Donzim]

Thanks. Others are saying that there is an issue with food interference. What did you find?

[Donzim in reply to Hidden]

Didn’t find that. Took 3x every 24 hrs so plenty of time to avoid food conflicts.

[Hidden in reply to Donzim]

Thanks again.

[Hidden in reply to Donzim]

One more question. How long did it take to be effective once you started taking it? Did it take a few days?

[Donzim in reply to Hidden]

I don’t recall but nothing difficult. The main issue is that your doctor understands it is not a 1:1 substitute for sinemet. If not, the manufacturer, Mylan, will help him.

[ConnieD in reply to Donzim]

Do you still take it ?

[Donzim in reply to ConnieD]

It was my husband with PD. He passed away with heart trouble three years ago. He took Rytary for about 2 years plus very successfully.

[Hidden in reply to Donzim]

So sorry for your loss.

[ConnieD in reply to Donzim]

So sorry to hear that, thank you for continuing to share with us!💕

[Ahopeful]

My husband just started on Rytary after his “on time” with the regular C/L reduced to less than 3 hours. He is about 2 weeks into the new meds and it seems much better. Still some inconsistencies in how long it lasts, but quality of life is much better again.

[Hidden in reply to Ahopeful]

Thanks

[Stazina in reply to Hidden]

Did you have to taper of C/L first or could you just switch to Rytary

[etterus]

I have been on it since it’s been available. I am very pleased with the results in that I can get 4 hours of reasonable results and this allows me to eat real meals. I have to be careful with either too much protein or fat ... it’s fat modulated for the release mechanism.

[Hidden in reply to etterus]

Thanks

[JAS9]

I've been on it for 4 years and I have few complaints. I eat a moderate-protien and low fat and oil diet, so I don't notice any problem with when I eat.

[Hidden in reply to JAS9]

Thanks for your insight

[horsplay]

I've been taking Rytary since day 1 of Its availability. I don't have any food issues. If you have a knowledge dr., the switch is not hard.

[Hidden in reply to horsplay]

Thanks horseplay. Also, how long did it take for you to “assimilate” Rytary into your system?

[PD_Partner]

I say go for it!!

My partner has been talking for a little over a year with better results and less off time. He has been on the lowest dose 3x Day but occasionally takes a regular sinemet if a bad day or a ‘natural’ as we call it- NOW brand Dopa Mucuna pill. Trying to no increase dose if possible. Also daily walking or biking, CBD with THC oil and smoking medical Marijuana at bedtime. Insurance won’t cover until tried extended release Sinemet but he gets with Rytary assistance program.

Not sure if the off times are related to his protein at meals but we try to not eat with 1 hour of taking.

[Hidden in reply to PD_Partner]

Thanks. Do you remember how long it took for him to see the effects of Rytary, Was there a “taper down “ process from what he was taking before?

[horsplay in reply to Hidden]

the only adjustment was finding the right dosage. Even though both medications are carbidopa-levadopa the delivery system is different. From my understanding, Rytary has a combination of immediate and long acting. That's why its not a 1:1 switch. Find your dose and you will be much happier.

[PD_Partner]

No tapper down, doctor just looked up comparable dosing and started there. I think benefits fairly soon but after few months could really tell difference.

[Hidden in reply to PD_Partner]

Thanks again