Alternatives to Crexont for Parkinson's Disease

If you've been prescribed Crexont (Carbidopa/Levodopa extended-release capsules) but can't find it at your pharmacy, you may need to work with your doctor to find a temporary or long-term alternative. The good news is that there are several other Carbidopa/Levodopa formulations and Parkinson's medications available.

Important: Never switch medications on your own. Always talk to your doctor or neurologist before changing your Parkinson's treatment. Dosages of Crexont are not interchangeable with other Carbidopa/Levodopa products on a 1:1 basis.

Carbidopa/Levodopa Alternatives

1. Rytary (Carbidopa/Levodopa Extended-Release Capsules)

Rytary is the most similar alternative to Crexont. Like Crexont, it is an extended-release Carbidopa/Levodopa capsule designed to provide longer-lasting symptom control. Key differences:

• Rytary has been on the market since 2015 and is more widely available
• A generic version of Rytary is expected soon, which may lower costs
• Crexont has shown higher peak Levodopa levels and longer duration of benefit in studies, but the two have not been directly compared in head-to-head clinical trials
• Dosing conversion from Crexont to Rytary is approximately 1:1 based on the Levodopa component

Rytary strengths: 23.75mg/95mg, 36.25mg/145mg, 48.75mg/195mg, 61.25mg/245mg.

2. Sinemet CR (Carbidopa/Levodopa Controlled-Release)

Sinemet CR is a controlled-release tablet that has been available for decades. It is widely stocked and has affordable generic versions. However:

• It provides less predictable absorption than Crexont or Rytary
• It may need to be taken more frequently
• It comes in 25mg/100mg and 50mg/200mg strengths

3. Sinemet (Carbidopa/Levodopa Immediate-Release)

Standard Sinemet (or generic Carbidopa/Levodopa) is the most widely available and least expensive option. It works quickly but wears off faster, which means:

• You may need to take it more often (every 3 to 4 hours)
• You may experience more "off" time between doses
• It is available as a generic at very low cost

4. Duopa (Carbidopa/Levodopa Enteral Suspension)

Duopa is a gel form of Carbidopa/Levodopa delivered continuously through a pump and tube directly into the small intestine. It is typically reserved for advanced Parkinson's patients with severe motor fluctuations. It requires a surgical procedure (PEG-J tube placement) and is much more expensive.

5. Stalevo (Carbidopa/Levodopa/Entacapone)

Stalevo combines Carbidopa/Levodopa with Entacapone, a COMT inhibitor that extends the effect of Levodopa. It may be a good option if you experience "wearing off" between doses. Generic versions are available.

Non-Levodopa Alternatives

Your doctor may also consider adding or switching to other types of Parkinson's medications:

Dopamine Agonists

• Mirapex (Pramipexole) — available as generic; can be used alone or with Levodopa
• Requip (Ropinirole) — available as generic; similar to Pramipexole
• Neupro (Rotigotine) — a patch applied to the skin for steady drug delivery

MAO-B Inhibitors

• Azilect (Rasagiline) — helps prevent Dopamine breakdown in the brain
• Xadago (Safinamide) — used as add-on therapy with Levodopa

COMT Inhibitors

• Ongentys (Opicapone) — once-daily add-on to Levodopa therapy
• Comtan (Entacapone) — taken with each dose of Levodopa

How to Compare These Options

When discussing alternatives with your doctor, consider:

• How well is your current Parkinson's controlled? If Crexont was working well, Rytary is the closest substitute.
• Cost and insurance coverage. Generic Carbidopa/Levodopa is the most affordable option. Check our guide to saving money on Crexont.
• How many "off" periods do you have? Extended-release formulations like Rytary reduce off time.
• Side effects. Each formulation has a slightly different side effect profile. Read more about Crexont side effects.

Don't Give Up on Finding Crexont

Even if you need a temporary alternative, keep trying to locate Crexont. Use MedFinder to search for pharmacies that have it in stock. Availability is improving as Amneal Pharmaceuticals continues to expand production. Check our Crexont shortage update for the latest information.

Search for Crexont near you on MedFinder →