Rasagiline is a monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) inhibitor. It works by increasing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain.
Rasagiline
is used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease (stiffness,
tremors, spasms, poor muscle control). Rasagiline is sometimes used with
another drug called levodopa.
Rasagiline may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Many medicines can interact with rasagiline and should not be used at the same time.
Your doctor may need to change your treatment plan if you use any of
the following drugs: cyclobenzaprine (a muscle relaxer),
dextromethorphan (a cough medicine), meperidine (Demerol), methadone,
St. John's wort, or tramadol.
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.
You should not take rasagiline if you are allergic to it.
Many medicines can interact with rasagiline and should not be used at the same time. Your doctor may need to change your treatment plan if you use any of the following drugs:
- cyclobenzaprine (a muscle relaxer);
- dextromethorphan (contained in many over-the-counter cough medicines);
- meperidine (Demerol);
- methadone;
- St. John's wort; or
- tramadol (Ultram, Ultracet).
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.
To make sure rasagiline is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
- high or low blood pressure;
- liver disease;
- if you take an antidepressant; or
- if you take ciprofloxacin (an antibiotic).
People
with Parkinson's disease may have a higher risk of skin cancer
(melanoma). Talk to your doctor about this risk and what skin symptoms
to watch for.
It is not known whether rasagiline will harm an
unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become
pregnant while using this medicine.
It is not known whether
rasagiline passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby.
Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Rasagiline Side Effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using rasagiline and call your doctor at once if you have:
- extreme drowsiness, falling asleep suddenly, even after feeling alert;
- unusual changes in mood or behavior;
- a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
- worsening symptoms of Parkinson's disease (especially uncontrolled muscle movements); or
- dangerously
high blood pressure--severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your
neck or ears, nosebleed, anxiety, confusion, severe chest pain,
shortness of breath, irregular heartbeats, seizure.
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 this medicine. Talk with
your doctor if this occurs.
Common side effects may include:
- dizziness, drowsiness;
- sleep problems (insomnia), strange dreams;
- depressed mood;
- upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain;
- loss of appetite, weight loss;
- constipation;
- joint pain or stiffness;
- swelling in your hands or feet;
- dry mouth, cough; or
- flu symptoms (fever, chills, body aches).
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.
Rasagiline Interactions
Rasagiline
may impair your thinking or reactions. Avoid driving or operating
machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you. Avoid
getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel
dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.
Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of rasagiline.
Also avoid eating foods that are high in tyramine, such as aged cheeses, sour cream, yogurt, avocados, bananas, soy sauce, and pepperoni or other dried meats. Eating tyramine while you are taking rasagiline can raise your blood pressure to dangerous levels which could cause life-threatening side effects.
Taking
rasagiline while you are also taking an antidepressant can cause high
levels of serotonin in your body. Symptoms of this condition include
agitation, hallucinations, fever, fast heart rate, overactive reflexes,
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of coordination, and fainting. Tell your doctor if you have taken an antidepressant during the 2-week period before you start taking rasagiline.
Taking
rasagiline with other drugs that make you sleepy can worsen this
effect. Ask your doctor before taking rasagiline with a sleeping pill,
narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or
seizures.
Many drugs can interact with rasagiline, and some drugs should not be used together. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.
Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or
stop using during your treatment with rasagiline. Give a list of all
your medicines to any healthcare provider who treats you.
Rasagiline Dosage
Follow
all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally
change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take
this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than
recommended.
Your dose may be different if you take rasagiline alone than if you take rasagiline with other Parkinson's medications. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.
Rasagiline
is only part of a complete program of treatment that may include a diet
plan created for you by your doctor or nutrition counselor.
Call your doctor if your Parkinson's symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse while using rasagiline.
Do not stop using rasagiline suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to safely stop using rasagiline.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose
symptoms may include drowsiness, dizziness, severe headache,
hallucinations, feeling agitated or irritable, fast and uneven heart
rate, muscle spasms, sweating, cold or clammy skin, shallow breathing,
fainting, or seizure (convulsions).
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose.
Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.