NORTHERA ratings & reviews

Droxidopa
Company: Lundbeck
Brand: NORTHERA
Drug class: Cardiovascular System
+1 more
Cardiovascular System, Vasopressors
Overall rating
3.3
full star full star full star empty star empty star
Ranked #1
Physician ratings
  • Efficacy: effective for its intended use
  • Safety: safe to use in humans
  • Tolerability: low drug side effects
  • Accessibility: insurance/payer coverage, cost, affordability,formulary coverage, availability in your hospital or practice setting
  • Adherence: patient compliance with treatment
Efficacy
3.5/5
Safety
3.4/5
Tolerability
3.3/5
Accessibility
3.2/5
Adherence
3.3/5

Sermo AI Overview

  • NORTHERA is generally viewed positively for its effectiveness and safety in managing neurogenic orthostatic hypotension according to some medical professionals, particularly in the US. However, concerns about its overall efficacy have also been raised by providers in other regions.
  • Patients and caregivers have reported variability in access and cost for NORTHERA, indicating that while some users find it valuable, challenges exist regarding affordability and availability across different areas.
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Based on insights from Sermo’s triple verified physicians

Description

Northera capsules contain droxidopa, a synthetic amino acid precursor of norepinephrine, for oral administration. These capsules are formulated in three dosage strengths: 100 mg, 200 mg, and 300 mg, with each capsule differing in size and color based on the strength. Key inactive ingredients in the capsules include mannitol, pregelatinised starch, and magnesium stearate. Northera is designed to address symptoms associated with low blood pressure.

Source: This information is sourced from FDA and powered by AI

Dosage & Administration

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Take this medication when you wake up in the morning, at midday, and in the late afternoon at least 3 hours before bedtime. Do not cut, crush, or chew this medication. You can take this medication with or without food. You should always take it the same way. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

  • Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
  • If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Side Effects

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • High fever, stiff muscles, increased sweating, fast or irregular heartbeat, and confusion, which may be signs of neuroleptic malignant syndrome
  • Increase in blood pressure

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Nausea

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings & Precautions

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • Heart disease
  • History of irregular heartbeat
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to droxidopa, tartrazine dye, aspirin, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breast-feeding

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

  • Ergot alkaloids, such as dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine

This medication may also interact with the following:

  • Certain MAOIs, such as Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
  • Certain medications for migraine headache, such as almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, zolmitriptan
  • Certain medications used to treat colds, such as phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine
  • Linezolid
  • Stimulant medications for attention disorders, weight loss, or to stay awake

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication. Check your blood pressure as directed. Know what your blood pressure should be when sitting and when standing and when to contact your care team.

When you rest and sleep, make sure that your upper body is elevated. Check your blood pressure regularly while in this position.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are taking this medication without asking your care team for advice. Some medications may increase your blood pressure.

What are the most serious risks of this medication?

This medicine can cause or worsen high blood pressure that occurs when laying down. Rest and sleep with your upper body elevated to decrease the risk of this happening. You should monitor your blood pressure while taking this medicine. If you notice your blood pressure is high, contact your health care provider.

Source: This information is sourced from Elsevier Inc.

Disclaimer

The reviews, ratings, comments, and opinions expressed on this platform are solely those of the individual medical professionals who posted them and do not reflect the views or positions of Sermo, Inc. Sermo does not endorse, verify, or validate the content of individual reviews. The information provided is user-generated and reflects personal clinical experiences, which may not be complete, accurate, or applicable to your specific health needs. It is not intended as medical advice.

Prescription medications affect individuals differently, and what works for one person may not work for another. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed applies to your personal circumstances. Only a licensed healthcare provider can advise you on what is safe and effective for you.

Keep all medications out of the reach of children, never share your medicine with others, and use each medication only as prescribed. Your reliance on any information provided on this platform is at your own risk.

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