Rasagiline, Oral

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: anti-Parkinson's; MAO inhibitor

Generic and brand names: rasagiline, oral; Azilect

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is taken by mouth to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease. It may be used by itself or along with levodopa/carbidopa.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to any medicine
• liver problems
• pheochromocytoma (a tumor of the adrenal gland).

Tell your healthcare provider if you are currently taking any antidepressants or painkillers.

Females of childbearing age: Talk with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without discussing with your healthcare provider.

How do I take it?

Important: Take this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Do not take more or less or take it longer than prescribed. Taking too much can cause serious side effects. Do not stop taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval. You may have to reduce your dosage gradually to keep Parkinson's symptoms from returning.

Your healthcare provider may reduce the amount of Sinemet you are taking when you start taking this medicine. Check with your healthcare provider.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.

What should I watch out for?

Using this medicine for a long time may cause muscle spasms, twitching in the face and body, and uncontrolled tongue or jaw movements. Talk to your healthcare provider about this.

Your healthcare provider will want to see you regularly to check on your progress and dosage.

If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.

This medicine may cause drowsiness and confusion. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.

You may feel dizzy or faint when you get up quickly after sitting or lying down. Getting up slowly may help.

Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine. Do not take other medicines without your healthcare provider's approval. Certain foods, drinks, and medicines can cause dangerously high blood pressure while you are taking this medicine. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Chest pain, hallucinations, severe headache, blurred vision, trouble thinking, seizures, unexplained nausea or vomiting, bloody or tarry stools, trouble urinating, enlarged pupils, fast or slow heartbeat, increased sensitivity to light, increased sweating (possibly with fever or cold, clammy skin), severe nausea and vomiting, stiff or sore neck.

Other: Increase in unusual movements of body, mood changes, confusion, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, pounding heartbeat, dry mouth, stomach cramps, constipation, joint pain.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:

• amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone)
• amphetamines and certain appetite suppressants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta), ephedrine, and sibutramine (Meridia)
• analgesics (pain medicines) such as meperidine (Demerol), methadone, tramadol (Ultram), and propoxyphene (Darvocet N-100)
• antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), norfloxacin (Noroxin), and ofloxacin (Floxin)
• antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), paroxetine (Paxil), fluvoxamine (Luvox), citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), venlafaxine (Effexor), nefazodone, sertraline (Zoloft), mirtazapine (Remeron), amitriptyline, nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), imipramine (Tofranil), doxepin (Sinequan), amoxapine, clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), protriptyline (Vivactil), trimipramine (Surmontil), and maprotiline (Ludiomil)
• atomoxetine (Strattera)
• cold medicines such as dextromethorphan or decongestants such as phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) and pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)
• MAO inhibitor antidepressants such as phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate), and isocarboxazid (Marplan) (Do not take an MAO inhibitor and this medicine within 14 days of each other.)
• St. John's wort.

When taken with certain foods or drinks, this medicine can cause an increase in blood pressure. To avoid this, do not eat large amounts of foods or drink beverages that have a high tyramine content. This includes foods that are aged, fermented, pickled, or smoked, such as aged cheeses; yogurt, dried fruits, smoked fish, meat, or poultry; sauerkraut; soy sauce; red wine; or tap beer. Discuss this with your healthcare provider.

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.