Rasagiline

Generic name: Rasagiline
Brand names: Azilect
Dosage form: oral tablet (0.5 mg; 1 mg)
Drug class: Dopaminergic antiparkinsonism agents

Usage of Rasagiline

Rasagiline is used to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease (stiffness, tremors, spasms, poor muscle control). Rasagiline is sometimes used with another medicine called Levodopa.

Rasagiline may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Rasagiline side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic Reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Rasagiline may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears;

extreme drowsiness or falling asleep suddenly, even after feeling alert;

unusual changes in mood or behavior;

hallucinations;

a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; or

worsening symptoms of Parkinson's disease (especially uncontrolled muscle movements).

Seek medical attention right away if you have symptoms of serotonin syndrome, such as: agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, shivering, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Some people taking rasagiline with levodopa have fallen asleep during normal Daytime activities such as working, talking, eating, or driving. Tell your doctor if you have any problems with daytime sleepiness or drowsiness.

You may have increased sexual urges, unusual urges to gamble, or other intense urges while taking rasagiline. Talk with your doctor if this occurs.

Common side effects of rasagiline may include:

depressed mood;

sleep problems (insomnia), strange dreams;

involuntary muscle movements;

loss of appetite, weight loss;

indigestion, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation;

joint pain or stiffness;

rash;

cough or other flu symptoms;

dry mouth; or

swelling in your hands or feet.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Rasagiline

You should not take rasagiline if you are allergic to it.

Do not use rasagiline if you have used any other MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, Selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

Many drugs can interact and cause dangerous effects. Some drugs should not be used together with rasagiline. Your doctor may change your treatment plan if you also use:

cyclobenzaprine (a muscle relaxer);

Dextromethorphan (contained in many over-the-counter cough medicines);

Meperidine (Demerol);

methadone;

St. John's wort; or

tramadol (Ultram, Ultracet).

Be sure your doctor knows if you also take stimulant medicine, opioid medicine, herbal products, or medicine for depression, mental illness, migraine headaches, serious infections, or prevention of nausea and vomiting. These medicines may interact with rasagiline and cause a serious condition called serotonin syndrome.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

high or low blood pressure;

liver or kidney disease; or

if you take ciprOfloxacin (an antibiotic).

People with Parkinson's disease may have a higher risk of skin cancer (melanoma). Ask your doctor about skin symptoms to watch for.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Relate drugs

How to use Rasagiline

Usual Adult Dose for Parkinson's Disease:

Monotherapy: Recommended dose: 1 mg orally once a dayAdjunct therapy: Initial dose (in patients on concomitant levodopa): 0.5 mg orally once a dayInitial dose (in patients not on concomitant levodopa): 1 mg orally once a dayMaintenance dose: 0.5 mg to 1 mg orally once a dayMaximum dose: 1 mg orally once a dayComments: May be used as adjunct therapy in patients on levodopa therapy, with or without other drugs used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

Warnings

Tell your doctor about all medicines you have used in the 2-week period before you start taking rasagiline. Many drugs can interact with rasagiline, and some drugs should not be used together.

What other drugs will affect Rasagiline

Using rasagiline with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures. Tell your doctor if you have taken an antidepressant during the 2-week period before you start taking rasagiline.

Many drugs can affect rasagiline, and some drugs should not be used at the SAMe time. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here.

Disclaimer

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