Rasagiline (By mouth)

Introduction:

Rasagiline (ra-SA-ji-leen)

Treats signs and symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

Brand Name(s):

Azilect

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to rasagiline, or if you have pheochromocytoma (an adrenal gland tumor). Do not use this medicine if you are using meperidine (Demerol®), tramadol (Ultram®), methadone (Dolophine®), propoxyphene (Darvon®), amphetamines, or certain cough and cold medicines (such as dextromethorphan, ephedrine, phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine, Robitussin®, Sudafed®, Sudafed® PE). You should not use this medicine if you are taking St. John's wort, mirtazapine (Remeron®), or cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril®), or have been given cocaine or other anesthetics. This medicine should not be used if you are using a MAO inhibitor (such as Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, or Parnate®) or have used one within the past 14 days.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
  • You may take this medicine with or without food.
  • Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about any special diet.

If a dose is missed:

  • If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
  • Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using other Parkinson medicines, such as levodopa and carbidopa, or if you have used them recently. Your doctor should also know if you are using ciprofloxacin (Cipro®) or medicines to treat depression (such as fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline, Luvox®, Paxil®, Prozac®, Zoloft®).
  • Avoid foods and beverages that contain high amounts of tyramine, because they may cause very high blood pressure. These may include aged cheese, pickled herring, salami, soy sauce, yeast extracts, red wine, and certain beers.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease.
  • This medicine may increase your risk of having a melanoma, which is a type of skin cancer. Tell your doctor if you have any history of skin cancer.
  • Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before having surgery or medical tests.
  • Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
  • Chest pain.
  • Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, or body aches.
  • Hearing or seeing things which are not really there.
  • Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting.
  • Muscle spasms or cramps, tremors, or problems with muscle movement.
  • Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body.
  • Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet.
  • Red or black stools.
  • Red or dark brown urine, or change in how much or how often you urinate.
  • Severe headaches, blurred vision, or vision changes.
  • Trouble breathing.
  • Trouble swallowing.
  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Depression, anxiety, or confusion.
  • Drowsiness.
  • Dry mouth.
  • Hair loss.
  • Headache.
  • Increased sweating.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, or upset stomach.
  • Neck pain, joint pain or stiffness.
  • Problems having sex.
  • Red, itchy, or painful eye.
  • Skin rash, sores, or itching.
  • Swollen or bleeding gums.
  • Unusual dreams.
  • Weight loss.
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