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Ropinirole Oral Tablet (ROPINIROLE - ORAL)

This medicine is used for the following purposes:

  • Parkinson's disease
  • restless leg syndrome

Brand Name(s): Requip

Generic Name: Ropinirole

Instructions

You may take with food to prevent stomach upset.

This medicine will work best if you take it at about the same time every day.

Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.

It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.

If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.

Cautions

If you stop this medicine suddenly after using it regularly for a long time, you may have withdrawal. Your doctor may slowly reduce your dose before stopping it. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any symptoms of withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms can include anxiety, depression, confusion, fever, or muscle stiffness.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Some patients taking this medicine have experienced serious side effects. Please speak with your doctor to understand the risks and benefits associated with this medicine.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

This medicine may cause dizziness or fainting, especially after exercising or in hot weather. Be very careful when standing or sitting up quickly.

Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.

If you drink more than a few alcoholic beverages each day, ask your doctor whether you should be on this medicine.

Smoking may affect the level of this medicine in your body. Tell your doctor if you smoke, or stop smoking while on this medicine.

Family should check on the patient often. Call the doctor if patient becomes more depressed or shows changes in behavior.

Call the doctor if there are any signs of confusion or unusual changes in behavior.

Tell the doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, planning to be pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

  • loss of balance
  • high or low blood pressure
  • constipation
  • dizziness or drowsiness
  • dry mouth
  • lack of energy and tiredness
  • headaches
  • lightheadedness
  • nausea and vomiting
  • stomach upset or abdominal pain
  • sweating

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

  • agitated feeling or trouble sleeping
  • change in behavior
  • chest pain
  • changes in memory, mood, or thinking
  • confusion
  • depression or feeling sad
  • swelling of the legs, feet, and hands
  • fainting
  • hallucinations (unusual thoughts, seeing or hearing things that are not real)
  • fast or irregular heart beats
  • unusual strong urges - such as increased need to shop, gamble, or have sex
  • memory problems or loss
  • uncontrollable movement of face, tongue, arms or legs
  • muscle aches, spasms or abnormal movements
  • muscle pain or weakness
  • falling asleep suddenly during usual daily activities
  • restlessness
  • problems with sexual functions or desire
  • shakiness
  • unusual or unexplained tiredness or weakness
  • blurring or changes of vision

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.

Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.