In its Final Appraisal Report, the All Wales Medicines Strategy Group (AWMSG) recommends prolonged-release ropinirole (Requip XL®) for use within NHS Wales for the treatment of idiopathic Parkinson’s disease in patients already taking ropinirole immediate-release tablets (Requip®) and in whom adequate symptomatic control has been established.  Substitution of ropinirole prolonged-release tablets for ropinirole immediate-release may be used as:

• Monotherapy, alone (without levodopa) in idiopathic Parkinson’s disease
• Adjunctive therapy in addition to levodopa to control ‘on-off’ fluctuations which might permit a reduction in the total daily dose of levodopa.

AWMSG is of the opinion that prolonged-release ropinirole may be suitable for shared care in accordance with appropriate guidance.  In order to limit errors, the drug should be prescribed by brand as Requip XL®.  Please see the link below for further details.