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Overview: Nourianz is used to treat certain symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. It may work by blocking adenosine receptors in the brain. Common side effects include dizziness, constipation, nausea, and trouble sleeping. Serious side effects may include hallucinations and unusual or compulsive behaviors.

Uses

What is Nourianz used for?

Nourianz (istradefylline) is commonly used to treat Parkinson’s disease, a condition that affects the part of your brain that controls your movements.

Nourianz may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Nourianz work (mechanism of action)?

Nourianz is thought to work by blocking adenosine receptors in the brain. Adenosine and dopamine are chemicals found naturally in the brain that play a role in controlling movement. People with Parkinson’s disease may have an imbalance of adenosine and dopamine activity. By blocking adenosine receptors, Nourianz may help reduce symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

How is Nourianz supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Nourianz

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 20 mg oral tablets
  • 40 mg oral tablets

How should I store Nourianz?

Nourianz should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 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 Nourianz?

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

  • Uncontrollable, involuntary movements (see below)
  • Dizziness
  • Constipation
  • Nausea
  • Hallucinations (see below)
  • Trouble sleeping

There may be other side effects of Nourianz that are not listed here. Contact your health care 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 (800-332-1088). 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 Nourianz?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Nourianz may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Nourianz 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

Uncontrollable, Involuntary Movements (Dyskinesia). Nourianz may cause or worsen involuntary movement problems, including shakiness, stiffness, or jerkiness. Call your health care provider right away if you develop any unusual or uncontrolled movements or if they get worse.

Hallucinations or Psychotic-like Behaviors. Nourianz may cause hallucinations or psychotic-like behaviors. Tell your health care 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
  • Disorganized thoughts, such as jumping between topics or having a hard time focusing
  • Sudden decline in self-care, such as personal hygiene or academic/work performance
  • Aggressive behavior

Unusual or Compulsive Behaviors. Nourianz can cause some people to have strong unusual and uncontrolled urges (compulsions), including gambling, sex, shopping, or eating. Talk to your health care 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 Nourianz?

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

  • Istradefylline
  • Nourianz
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

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

What should I know about Nourianz before using it?

Do not take Nourianz unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

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

Keep Nourianz out of the reach of children.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Nourianz?

Tell your health care 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 Nourianz is right for you.

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

Other Medicines and Supplements. Nourianz may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Nourianz, tell your health care 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.

Mental Health Problems. Tell your health care provider if you have any mental health problems, including a psychotic disorder (such as schizophrenia or delusional disorder). Nourianz may increase the risk of hallucinations and psychosis.

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

  • Uncontrollable, involuntary movements (dyskinesia)
  • Liver problems
  • Unusual urges, such as gambling, binge eating, compulsive shopping, or increased sex drive

Smoke Cigarettes or Use Tobacco. Tell your health care provider if you smoke cigarettes or use other tobacco products. Your dose of Nourianz may need to be adjusted if you use tobacco.

Pregnancy. Nourianz may cause harm to a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you can become pregnant, ask your health care provider about effective birth control options. If you become pregnant while taking Nourianz, contact your health care provider right away.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Nourianz passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take Nourianz while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Nourianz?

For more information about Nourianz, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.nourianz.com or call them at 844-768-3544.

Interactions

Does Nourianz interact with foods or drinks?

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

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Nourianz. The risk of dizziness may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking Nourianz.

Does Nourianz interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care 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 Nourianz.

  • Itraconazole (Sporanox, Tolsura) or ketoconazole, which is a medicine used for fungal infections
  • Clarithromycin, which is a medicine used for bacterial infections
  • Carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol, and others), which is a medicine commonly used to treat seizures or nerve pain
  • Rifampin (Rifadin), which is a medicine commonly used to treat an infection called tuberculosis
  • Phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek, and others), which is a medicine to control seizures
  • St. John’s wort, which is a supplement that may be used for depression
  • Atorvastatin, which is a medicine to lower cholesterol
  • Digoxin (Lanoxin), which is a medicine used to treat irregular heartbeat and some types of heart failure

Many other medicines may alter the blood levels of Nourianz, and vice versa. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Nourianz. Always check with your health care 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 Nourianz?

If you or someone else has used too much Nourianz, 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 Nourianz?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.