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RYTARY

Generic: Carbidopa and Levodopa

Verified·Apr 23, 2026
NDC
64896-661
RxCUI
1600773
Route
ORAL
ICD-10 indication
G20

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About RYTARY

What is this medication?

Rytary is a prescription medication used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, post-encephalitic parkinsonism, and parkinsonism that may follow carbon monoxide or manganese intoxication. It consists of a combination of two active ingredients, carbidopa and levodopa, which work together to improve motor control. Levodopa is converted into dopamine in the brain to help manage physical symptoms like tremors, stiffness, and slowness of movement, while carbidopa prevents the levodopa from being broken down too early in the bloodstream.

This medication is an extended-release capsule that contains both immediate-release and delayed-release beads of the active ingredients. This specific design allows for a more prolonged and consistent absorption of the medicine compared to standard immediate-release formulations. By providing more stable levels of dopamine in the brain, Rytary helps to reduce the amount of off time, which are periods during the day when the medication wears off and symptoms reappear or worsen before the next dose.

Copay & patient assistance

Detailed copay and financial assistance information is not publicly available for this medication at this time. Please consult your pharmacist or the manufacturer's official patient support program for more details.

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Prescribing information

From the FDA-approved label for RYTARY. Official source: DailyMed (NLM) · Label effective Mar 26, 2026

Indications and usage
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE RYTARY is indicated for the treatment of Parkinson's disease, post-encephalitic parkinsonism, and parkinsonism that may follow carbon monoxide intoxication or manganese intoxication. RYTARY is a combination of carbidopa (an aromatic amino acid decarboxylation inhibitor) and levodopa (an aromatic amino acid) indicated for the treatment of Parkinson's disease, post-encephalitic parkinsonism, and parkinsonism that may follow carbon monoxide intoxication or manganese intoxication. ( 1 )
Dosage and administration
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Evaluate vitamin B6 levels prior to starting treatment with carbidopa/levodopa therapies. ( 2.1 ) Levodopa-naïve patients: Starting dose is 23.75 mg/95 mg three times daily; may increase to 36.25 mg/145 mg three times daily on the fourth day of treatment. ( 2.2 ) See Table 1 for instructions for converting patients taking immediate-release carbidopa-levodopa to an initial dose of RYTARY. Dosages of RYTARY are not interchangeable with other carbidopa-levodopa products. ( 2.3 ) The maximum recommended daily dose of RYTARY is 612.5 mg/2,450 mg. ( 2.2 , 2.3 ) RYTARY may be taken with or without food; do not chew, divide or crush. ( 2.5 , 12.3 ) 2.1 Management of Vitamin B6 Levels Evaluate vitamin B6 levels prior to initiating carbidopa/levodopa therapies, including RYTARY, periodically during treatment, and as clinically indicated [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ]. If vitamin B6 levels are low, supplement to sufficient levels per standard of care. Patients may initiate and continue treatment with RYTARY while supplementing vitamin B6. 2.2 Dosage in Patients Naïve to Levodopa Therapy The recommended starting dosage of RYTARY in levodopa-naïve patients is 23.75 mg/95 mg taken orally three times a day for the first 3 days. On the fourth day of treatment, the dosage of RYTARY may be increased to 36.25 mg/145 mg taken three times a day. Based upon individual patient clinical response and tolerability, the RYTARY dose may be increased up to a maximum recommended dose of 97.5 mg/390 mg taken three times a day. The dosing frequency may be changed from three times a day to a maximum of five times a day if more frequent dosing is needed and if tolerated. Maintain patients on the lowest dosage required to achieve symptomatic control and to minimize adverse reactions such as dyskinesia and nausea. The maximum recommended daily dose of RYTARY is 612.5 mg/2,450 mg. 2.3 Converting from Immediate-Release Carbidopa-Levodopa to RYTARY The dosages of other carbidopa and levodopa products are not interchangeable on a 1:1 basis with the dosages of RYTARY. To convert patients from immediate-release carbidopa-levodopa to RYTARY, first calculate the patient’s current total daily dose of levodopa. The starting total daily dose of RYTARY is as recommended in Table 1. After conversion, any combination of the four RYTARY dosage strengths can be used to achieve an optimal dosing. Adjust the dose and dosing frequency as necessary to maintain patient tolerance and sufficient symptomatic control. Administration of concomitant Parkinson’s disease medications should remain stable while adjusting the RYTARY dose. In clinical trials, RYTARY was administered in divided doses of three to five times a day. The maximum recommended total daily dose of RYTARY is 612.5 mg/2,450 mg. For patients currently treated with carbidopa and levodopa plus a catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT) inhibitor (such as entacapone), the initial total daily dose of levodopa in RYTARY described in Table 1 may need to be increased. Use of RYTARY in combination with other levodopa products has not been studied. Table 1 : Conversion from Immediate-Release Carbidopa-Levodopa to RYTARY Total Daily Dose of Levodopa in Immediate-Release Carbidopa-Levodopa Recommended Starting Dosage of RYTARY Total Daily Dose of Levodopa in RYTARY RYTARY Dosing Regimen 400 mg to 549 mg 855 mg 3 capsules RYTARY 23.75 mg/95 mg taken TID a 550 mg to 749 mg 1,140 mg 4 capsules RYTARY 23.75 mg/95 mg taken TID 750 mg to 949 mg 1,305 mg 3 capsules RYTARY 36.25 mg/145 mg taken TID 950 mg to 1,249 mg 1,755 mg 3 capsules RYTARY 48.75 mg/195 mg taken TID Equal to or greater than 1,250 mg 2,340 mg or 4 capsules RYTARY 48.75 mg/195 mg taken TID or 2,205 mg 3 capsules RYTARY 61.25 mg/245 mg taken TID a TID: three times a day 2.4 Discontinuation of RYTARY Avoid sudden discontinuation or rapid dose reduction of RYTARY. The daily dose of RYTARY should be tapered at the time of treatment discontinuation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . 2.5 Administration Information Swallow RYTARY whole with or without food. A high-fat, high-calorie meal may delay the absorption of levodopa by about 2 hours [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Do not chew, divide or crush RYTARY capsules. For patients who have difficulty swallowing intact capsules, administer RYTARY by carefully twisting apart both halves of the capsule. Sprinkle the entire contents of both halves of the capsule on a small amount of applesauce (1 to 2 tablespoons) and consume the mixture immediately. Do not store the drug/food mixture for future use.
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS RYTARY is contraindicated in patients: Currently taking a nonselective monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor (e.g., phenelzine and tranylcypromine) or have recently (within 2 weeks) taken a nonselective MAO inhibitor. Hypertension can occur if these drugs are used concurrently [see Drug Interactions (7.1) ] . Nonselective MAO inhibitors. ( 4 )
Warnings and precautions
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS May cause falling asleep during activities of daily living. ( 5.1 ) Avoid sudden discontinuation or rapid dose reduction to reduce the risk of withdrawal-emergent hyperpyrexia and confusion. ( 5.2 ) Cardiovascular Events: Monitor patients with a history of cardiovascular disease. ( 5.3 ) Hallucinations/Psychosis may occur. ( 5.4 ) Impulse Control Disorders: Consider dose reduction or stopping RYTARY if occurs. ( 5.5 ) May cause or exacerbate dyskinesia: Consider dose reduction. ( 5.6 ) 5.1 Falling Asleep During Activities of Daily Living and Somnolence Patients treated with levodopa, a component of RYTARY, have reported falling asleep while engaged in activities of daily living, including the operation of motor vehicles, which sometimes resulted in accidents. Although many of these patients reported somnolence while on levodopa, some perceived that they had no warning signs (sleep attack), such as excessive drowsiness, and believed that they were alert immediately prior to the event. Some of these events have been reported more than 1 year after initiation of treatment. It has been reported that falling asleep while engaged in activities of daily living usually occurs in a setting of pre-existing somnolence, although patients may not give such a history. For this reason, prescribers should reassess patients for drowsiness or sleepiness in RYTARY-treated patients, especially since some of the events occur well after the start of treatment. Prescribers should also be aware that patients may not acknowledge drowsiness or sleepiness until directly questioned about drowsiness or sleepiness during specific activities. Before initiating treatment with RYTARY, advise patients of the potential to develop drowsiness and specifically ask about factors that may increase the risk for somnolence with RYTARY such as concomitant sedating medications or the presence of a sleep disorder. Consider discontinuing RYTARY in patients who report significant daytime sleepiness or episodes of falling asleep during activities that require active participation (e.g., conversations, eating, etc.). If a decision is made to continue RYTARY, patients should be advised not to drive and to avoid other potentially dangerous activities that might result in harm if the patients become somnolent. There is insufficient information to establish that dose reduction will eliminate episodes of falling asleep while engaged in activities of daily living. 5.2 Withdrawal-Emergent Hyperpyrexia and Confusion A symptom complex that resembles neuroleptic malignant syndrome (characterized by elevated temperature, muscular rigidity, altered consciousness, and autonomic instability), with no other obvious etiology, has been reported in association with rapid dose reduction, withdrawal of, or changes in dopaminergic therapy. Avoid sudden discontinuation or rapid dose reduction in patients taking RYTARY. If the decision is made to discontinue RYTARY, the dose should be tapered to reduce the risk of hyperpyrexia and confusion [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) ] . 5.3 Cardiovascular Ischemic Events Cardiovascular ischemic events have occurred in patients taking RYTARY. In a placebo controlled clinical study in patients with early Parkinson's disease, 7/289 (2.4%) of RYTARY-treated patients experienced cardiovascular ischemic adverse reactions compared to 1/92 (1.1%) of placebo-treated patients. In an active-controlled clinical study in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease, 3/450 (0.7%) of RYTARY-treated patients experienced cardiovascular ischemic adverse reactions compared to 0/471 oral immediate-release carbidopa-levodopa-treated patients. These patients all had a previous history of ischemic heart disease or risk factors for ischemic heart disease. In patients with a history of myocardial infarction who have residual atrial, nodal, or ventricular arrhythmias, cardiac function should be monitored in an intensive cardiac care facility during the period of initial dosage adjustment. 5.4 Hallucinations/Psychosis There is an increased risk for hallucinations and psychosis in patients taking RYTARY. In a controlled clinical trial in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease, 9/201 (4%) of RYTARY-treated patients reported hallucinations or psychosis compared to 2/192 (1%) of oral immediate-release carbidopa-levodopa-treated patients. Hallucinations present shortly after the initiation of therapy and may be responsive to dose reduction in levodopa. Hallucinations may be accompanied by confusion, insomnia, and excessive dreaming. Abnormal thinking and behavior may present with one or more symptoms, including paranoid ideation, delusions, hallucinations, confusion, psychotic-like behavior, disorientation, aggressive behavior, agitation, and delirium. Because of the risk of exacerbating psychosis, patients with a major psychotic disorder should not be treated with RYTARY. In addition, medications that antagonize the effects of dopamine used to treat psychosis may exacerbate the symptoms of Parkinson's disease and may decrease the effectiveness of RYTARY [see Drug Interactions (7.2) ] . 5.5 Impulse Control/Compulsive Behaviors Case reports suggest that patients can experience intense urges to gamble, increased sexual urges, intense urges to spend money, binge eating, and/or other intense urges, and the inability to control these urges while taking one or more of the medications, including RYTARY, that increase central dopaminergic tone and that are generally used for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. In some cases, although not all, these urges were reported to have stopped when the dose was reduced or the medication was discontinued. Because patients may not recognize these behaviors as abnormal, it is important for prescribers to specifically ask patients or their caregivers about the development of new or increased gambling urges, sexual urges, uncontrolled spending or other urges while being treated with RYTARY. Consider a dose reduction or stopping the medication if a patient develops such urges while taking RYTARY. 5.6 Dyskinesia RYTARY can cause dyskinesias that may require a dosage reduction of RYTARY or other medications used for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. 5.7 Vitamin B6 Deficiency and Seizures Treatment with carbidopa/levodopa, including RYTARY, may contribute to reduced vitamin B6 levels. Higher doses of carbidopa/levodopa may increase the risk of vitamin B6 deficiency. Seizures associated with vitamin B6 deficiency have been reported in the postmarketing setting in patients taking RYTARY. In these reported cases, seizures were refractory to traditional anti-seizure medications and only resolved after vitamin B6 administration. Other symptoms of vitamin B6 deficiency may occur, including depression, confusion, cheilosis, glossitis, dermatitis, anemia, and/or neuropathy. Evaluate vitamin B6 levels prior to initiation of RYTARY and periodically while on treatment or if symptoms associated with vitamin B6 deficiency are identified. Supplement with vitamin B6 as necessary. 5.8 Peptic Ulcer Disease Treatment with RYTARY may increase the possibility of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage in patients with a history of peptic ulcer. 5.9 Glaucoma RYTARY may cause increased intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma. Monitor intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma after starting RYTARY.
Drug interactions
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Iron salts and dopamine D2 antagonists including metoclopramide: May reduce the effectiveness of RYTARY. ( 7.2 , 7.3 ) 7.1 Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) Inhibitors The use of nonselective MAO inhibitors with RYTARY is contraindicated [see Contraindications (4) ] . Discontinue use of any nonselective MAO inhibitors at least two weeks prior to initiating RYTARY. The use of selective MAO-B inhibitors (e.g., rasagiline and selegiline) with RYTARY may be associated with orthostatic hypotension. Monitor patients who are taking these drugs concurrently. 7.2 Dopamine D2 Receptor Antagonists and Isoniazid Dopamine D2 receptor antagonists (e.g., phenothiazines, butyrophenones, risperidone, metoclopramide) and isoniazid may reduce the effectiveness of levodopa. Monitor patients for worsening Parkinson's symptoms. 7.3 Iron Salts Iron salts or multivitamins containing iron salts can form chelates with levodopa and carbidopa and can cause a reduction in the bioavailability of RYTARY. If iron salts or multivitamins containing iron salts are co-administered with RYTARY, monitor patients for worsening Parkinson's symptoms.
Adverse reactions
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are discussed below and elsewhere in the labeling: Falling Asleep During Activities of Daily Living and Somnolence [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Withdrawal-Emergent Hyperpyrexia and Confusion [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Cardiovascular Ischemic Events [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Hallucinations/Psychosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Impulse Control/Compulsive Behaviors [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Dyskinesia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Vitamin B6 Deficiency and Seizures [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Peptic Ulcer Disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] Glaucoma [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] Early Parkinson's disease: Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 5% and greater than placebo) are nausea, dizziness, headache, insomnia, abnormal dreams, dry mouth, dyskinesia, anxiety, constipation, vomiting, and orthostatic hypotension. ( 6.1 ) Advanced Parkinson's disease: Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 5% and greater than oral immediate-release carbidopa-levodopa) are nausea and headache. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC at 1-877-835-5472 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. The safety population consisted of a total of 978 Parkinson’s disease patients who received at least one dose of RYTARY, and had an average duration of exposure of 40 weeks. Adverse Reactions in Early Parkinson’s Disease In a placebo-controlled clinical study in patients with early Parkinson’s disease (Study 1), the most common adverse reactions with RYTARY (in at least 5% of patients and more frequently than in placebo) were nausea, dizziness, headache, insomnia, abnormal dreams, dry mouth, dyskinesia, anxiety, constipation, vomiting, and orthostatic hypotension. Table 2 lists adverse reactions occurring in at least 5% of RYTARY-treated patients and at a higher rate than placebo in Study 1. Table 2: Adverse Reactions in Study 1 in Patients with Early Stage Parkinson’s Disease Placebo RYTARY 36.25 mg Carbidopa 145 mg Levodopa TID RYTARY 61.25 mg Carbidopa 245 mg Levodopa TID RYTARY 97.5 mg Carbidopa 390 mg Levodopa TID (N=92) % (N=87) % (N=104) % (N=98) % Nausea 9 14 19 20 Dizziness 5 9 19 12 Headache 11 7 13 17 Insomnia 3 2 9 6 Abnormal Dreams 0 2 6 5 Dry Mouth 1 3 2 7 Dyskinesia 0 2 4 5 Anxiety 0 2 3 5 Constipation 1 2 6 2 Vomiting 3 2 2 5 Orthostatic Hypotension 1 1 1 5 Adverse Reactions Leading to Discontinuation in Study 1 In Study 1, 12% of patients discontinued RYTARY early due to adverse reactions; a higher proportion of patients in the 61.25 mg/245 mg RYTARY-treated group (14%) and in the 97.5 mg/390 mg RYTARY-treated group (15%) experienced adverse reactions leading to early discontinuation compared to (4%) in the placebo group. The most common adverse reactions resulting in early discontinuation were nausea, dizziness, and vomiting. Adverse Reactions in Advanced Parkinson’s Disease In an active-controlled clinical study in patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease (Study 2), the most common adverse reactions with RYTARY that occurred during dose conversion or maintenance (in at least 5% of patients and more frequently than on oral immediate-release carbidopa-levodopa) were nausea and headache. Table 3 lists adverse reactions occurring in at least 5% of RYTARY-treated patients and at a higher rate than oral immediate-release carbidopa-levodopa in Study 2. Table 3: Adverse Reactions in Study 2 in Patients with Advanced Parkinson’s Disease RYTARY (N=201) Immediate-Release Carbidopa-Levodopa (N=192) Period Dose Conversion a % Maintenance % Dose Conversion a % Maintenance % Nausea 4 3 6 2 Headache 5 1 3 2 a All patients were converted to RYTARY in the open-label Dose Conversion period and then received randomized treatment during maintenance. Adverse Reactions Leading to Discontinuation in Study 2 In Study 2, 5% of patients discontinued treatment due to adverse reactions during conversion to RYTARY. The common adverse reactions leading to discontinuation during dose conversion were dyskinesia, anxiety, dizziness, and on and off phenomenon. 6.2 Post-marketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post approval use of RYTARY. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of unknown size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish causal relationship to RYTARY exposure. Psychiatric: Suicide attempt, suicidal ideation.
Use in pregnancy
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no adequate data on the developmental risk associated with the use of RYTARY in pregnant women. In animal studies, carbidopa-levodopa has been shown to be developmentally toxic (including teratogenic effects) at clinically relevant doses (see Data) . The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. Data Animal Data When administered to pregnant rabbits throughout organogenesis, carbidopa-levodopa caused both visceral and skeletal malformation in fetuses at all doses and ratios of carbidopa-levodopa tested. No teratogenic effects were observed when carbidopa-levodopa was administered to pregnant mice throughout organogenesis. There was a decrease in the number of live pups delivered by rats receiving carbidopa-levodopa during organogenesis.

Label text is reproduced as-is from the FDA-approved label. We do not paraphrase, summarize, or omit. Content above is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your prescribing clinician or pharmacist before making decisions about your medication.

Conditions we've indexed resources for

Click a condition to see copay cards, grants, and PA rules specific to it. For the full list of FDA-approved indications, see Prescribing information above.

Medicare Part D coverage

How RYTARY appears across Medicare Part D plan formularies nationally. Source: CMS monthly Prescription Drug Plan file (2026-04-30).

Covered by plans

14%

792 of 5,509 plans

Most common tier

Tier 4

On 80% of covering formularies

Prior authorization required

2%

of covering formularies

TierFormularies on this tierShare
Tier 1 (preferred generic)7
13%
Tier 2 (generic)1
2%
Tier 3 (preferred brand)3
5%
Tier 4 (non-preferred brand)45
80%

Step therapy: 57% of formularies

Quantity limits: 4% of formularies

Coverage breadth: 56 of 65 formularies

How to read this:plans on the same formulary share tier + PA rules. Your specific plan's copay depends on (a) the tier above, (b) your plan's cost-share for that tier, (c) whether you're in the initial coverage phase or past the 2026 $2,000 out-of-pocket cap. For your exact plan, check its Summary of Benefits or log in to your Medicare.gov account. Copay cards don't apply to Medicare (federal law).

Prior authorization & coverage

PayerPAStep therapyCopay tier

Medicare Part D

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How this page is sourced

  • Drug identity verified against openFDA NDC Directory.
  • Label text (when shown) originates from NLM DailyMed.
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