Last Updated on April 2, 2026
Parkinson’s disease affects nearly one million Americans, making it the second most common neurodegenerative disease in the United States. During Parkinson’s Awareness Month — and on World Parkinson’s Day, observed every April 11 — we want to make sure patients and caregivers know that help is available, especially when it comes to affording the medications that help manage this disease day to day.
At NeedyMeds, we maintain a free database of patient assistance programs, discount options, and financial resources that can help reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Here’s a guide to finding help for commonly prescribed Parkinson’s disease medications.
Carbidopa-Levodopa: The Gold Standard Treatment
Carbidopa-levodopa is the most widely prescribed and most effective medication for managing Parkinson’s motor symptoms. It works by replenishing dopamine in the brain, and is available in several formulations — immediate release, extended release, and even inhaled or infused forms for advanced disease. Sinemet (carbidopa/levodopa) — The most commonly prescribed formulation; available as immediate-release tablets
Rytary (carbidopa/levodopa extended release) — An extended-release capsule that reduces “off” time between doses
Inbrija (levodopa inhalation powder) — An inhaled form of levodopa used specifically for “off” episodes between doses
Dopamine Agonists
Dopamine agonists mimic the effects of dopamine in the brain. They are often prescribed in early Parkinson’s, or used alongside carbidopa-levodopa as the disease progresses. Mirapex (pramipexole) — One of the most commonly prescribed dopamine agonists, available in immediate and extended-release forms
Requip (ropinirole) — Another widely used dopamine agonist, also available in extended-release form
Neupro (rotigotine) — A dopamine agonist delivered as a once-daily skin patch; useful for patients who have difficulty swallowing pills
MAO-B Inhibitors
MAO-B inhibitors work by blocking the enzyme that breaks down dopamine in the brain, allowing more dopamine to remain available. They can be used alone in early Parkinson’s or added to carbidopa-levodopa therapy later. Azilect (rasagiline) — The only MAO-B inhibitor FDA-approved as a standalone therapy for Parkinson’s; also used as an add-on
Xadago (safinamide) — An add-on MAO-B inhibitor for patients experiencing “off” episodes while on carbidopa-levodopa
Eldepryl / selegiline — An older MAO-B inhibitor still used for early-stage or adjunctive treatment
COMT Inhibitors
COMT inhibitors extend the effect of each levodopa dose by slowing the enzyme that breaks it down. They are always used as add-on therapy with carbidopa-levodopa. Comtan (entacapone) — The most widely used COMT inhibitor
Ongentys (opicapone) — A newer once-daily COMT inhibitor
Managing Dyskinesia
Gocovri (amantadine extended release) — FDA-approved specifically to treat dyskinesia (involuntary movements) caused by levodopa therapy
Financial Assistance Programs for Parkinson’s Patients
Beyond medication-specific programs, several organizations offer broader financial support for people living with Parkinson’s disease.
Diagnosis-Based Assistance Programs
NeedyMeds maintains a dedicated list of organizations that provide financial assistance specifically for Parkinson’s patients — including help with copays, treatment costs, and other expenses.
More Ways NeedyMeds Can Help
Our resources go beyond what’s listed here. Use these tools to find additional assistance:
- Search for any medication: Use our drug search on the NeedyMeds homepage to find programs for medications not listed above
- Search by diagnosis: Find condition-specific assistance programs at our program search page
- Compare pharmacy prices: Use our Drug Price Calculator to find the best prices at pharmacies near you with our free discount card
- Print your free NeedyMeds Drug Discount Card: Get your card here
Living with Parkinson’s disease is a daily challenge — and worrying about the cost of medication shouldn’t be part of it. This Parkinson’s Awareness Month, take a few minutes to explore the resources available to you. You might be surprised at how much help is out there. All NeedyMeds resources are free to use. We’re a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people afford their medications and healthcare costs.
