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Overview: Gocovri is a medicine for Parkinson's disease. It is used to treat sudden uncontrolled movements (dyskinesia) and off episodes. Dizziness, falls, hallucinations, dry mouth, swelling of the hands, feet, or legs, constipation, and low blood pressure upon standing are among the most common side effects.

Uses

What is Gocovri used for?

Gocovri is commonly used to treat sudden uncontrolled movements (dyskinesia) and off episodes in people with Parkinson’s disease. 

Gocovri may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does Gocovri work (mechanism of action)?

Gocovri may help relieve Parkinson’s symptoms by acting like dopamine in the brain to control movements.

How is Gocovri supplied (dosage forms)?

Gocovri is available as 68.5 mg and 137 mg extended-release oral capsules.

How should I store Gocovri?

Gocovri should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Gocovri?

The most common side effects of Gocovri are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of Gocovri that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Gocovri?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Gocovri are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Gocovri may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Gocovri and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Suicidal Thoughts or Actions. Gocovri may cause suicidal thoughts or actions in a small number of people. This may occur even if you do not have a history of mental health problems. If you are about to harm yourself, call 911 or call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call your healthcare provider right away if you, your family, or your caregivers notice that you have any of the following symptoms.

  • New or increased thoughts of suicide or death
  • Suicide attempt
  • New or increased feelings of anxiety, depression, or other unusual changes in mood or behavior

Sleepiness or Falling Asleep. Gocovri can make some people fall asleep, even without feeling sleepy. This can happen while doing simple daily tasks, like while eating or talking with someone. Call your healthcare provider right away if this happens to you. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how Gocovri affects you.

Hallucinations. Gocovri may cause hallucinations or worsen existing psychotic-like behavior. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms, or if you have been told by others you have these symptoms.

  • Hearing, seeing, smelling, tasting, or otherwise perceiving things that others do not
  • Delusional thoughts, such as false beliefs that you are being controlled
  • Feeling paranoid

Low Blood Pressure Upon Standing (Orthostatic Hypotension). Gocovri may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up from a seated or lying position. To help prevent this, be careful not to get up too quickly. If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down right away until the dizziness stops, then take your time getting up again. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of orthostatic hypotension.

  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting upon standing
  • Blurred vision
  • Confusion
  • Feeling weak

Unusual or Compulsive Behaviors. Gocovri can cause some people to have strong unusual and uncontrolled urges (compulsions), including gambling, sex, shopping, or eating. Talk to your healthcare provider right away if you or someone you know notices that you have new or worsening strong urges or behaviors.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Gocovri?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Gocovri products.

  • Amantadine
  • Gocovri
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Gocovri.

Kidney Problems. Gocovri should not be taken if your kidneys are not working as well as they should be. If there is a concern about the health of your kidneys, your healthcare provider may do tests to determine if they are working well enough to take this medicine.

What should I know about Gocovri before using it?

Do not take Gocovri unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. 

Do not share Gocovri with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Gocovri out of the reach of children.

Do not chew, cut, or crush Gocovri capsules. They should be swallowed whole. If you have trouble swallowing the extended-release capsule, you can open them and pour the contents on a spoonful of  applesauce. You should then swallow the applesauce right away without chewing.

Do not stop taking Gocovri without talking to your healthcare provider. Stopping suddenly can lead to serious problems, including worsening of Parkinson’s disease, agitation, depression, and hallucinations. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you need to stop taking Gocovri.

Gocovri can affect your alertness or coordination and may cause blurry vision. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how Gocovri affects you.

People who are 65 years of age and older can be at a greater risk for some side effects of Gocovri. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

You should monitor your skin for changes while taking Gocovri. Keep any appointments to have your skin checked.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Gocovri?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Gocovri is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Vaccines. Talk with your healthcare provider about any vaccines that you may need. You should not receive certain vaccines right before or while using Gocovri. Tell your healthcare provider about any vaccines you have recently received or have scheduled.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • Kidney problems
  • Sleep problems
  • Mental health problems, including depression, mood problems, or psychosis
  • Low blood pressure, even if it only happens when you stand up

Other Medicines and Supplements. Gocovri may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Gocovri, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Gocovri could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take Gocovri while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Gocovri passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take Gocovri while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Gocovri?

For more information about Gocovri, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.gocovri.com or call them at 866-398-0833.

Interactions

Does Gocovri interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Gocovri and foods or drinks.

Do not drink alcohol while taking Gocovri. Drinking alcohol may change how quickly Gocovri gets into your blood. The risk of dizziness, confusion, and sleepiness may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking Gocovri.

Does Gocovri interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking Gocovri.

  • An anticholinergic medicine, which includes antihistamines and medicines commonly used for overactive bladder, Parkinson’s disease, or stomach problems
  • A carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, such as zonisamide (Zonegran), acetazolamide (Diamox), or methazolamide
  • Sodium bicarbonate, which is in some over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medicines (Zegerid, Zegerid OTC, and Alka-Seltzer) used for heartburn and stomach ulcers
  • Thioridazine, which is a medicine used for certain mental health conditions
  • Triamterene/hydrochlorothiazide, which is a medicine used to treat high blood pressure and edema (fluid retention)
  • Quinidine, which is a medicine used for an irregular heart rhythm
  • Any other medicine that causes dizziness and sleepiness, such as prescription pain medicines, sleep medicines, or medicines for anxiety

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Gocovri. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Gocovri?

If you or someone else has taken too much Gocovri, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Gocovri?

If you miss a dose of Gocovri, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose when you normally would. If you have missed several doses in a row, ask your healthcare provider what to do. Do not take extra or double doses.