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Rasagiline Oral Tablet (RASAGILINE - ORAL)

For Parkinson's disease.

Brand Name(s): Azilect

Generic Name: Rasagiline

Instructions

This medicine may be taken with or without food.

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 very important to avoid some foods while on this medicine. Please ask your doctor or nurse to provide you with a list of foods you should avoid.

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.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Cautions

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

This medicine is associated with a rare but very serious medical condition. Please speak with your doctor about symptoms you should look out for while on this medicine. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop those symptoms.

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.

If possible, avoid using with marijuana or other medicines that can cause dizziness or drowsiness. These include allergy/cold products, muscle relaxers, sleep aids, and pain relievers.

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.

Please check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while on this medicine.

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 take St. John's wort while on this medicine.

Call your doctor right away if you notice slow or shallow breathing.

Call your doctor right away if you notice any unusual bleeding or bruising.

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.

  • high or low blood pressure
  • constipation
  • dizziness or drowsiness
  • dry mouth
  • pain in the joints
  • stomach upset or abdominal pain
  • weight loss

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

  • agitated feeling or trouble sleeping
  • loss of balance
  • chest pain
  • confusion
  • swelling of the legs, feet, and hands
  • fainting
  • fever
  • hallucinations (unusual thoughts, seeing or hearing things that are not real)
  • severe or persistent headache
  • fast, irregular, or slow heartbeat
  • unusual strong urges - such as increased need to shop, gamble, or have sex
  • sensitivity to light
  • uncontrollable movement of face, tongue, arms or legs
  • muscle aches, spasms or abnormal movements
  • muscle cramps
  • falling asleep suddenly during usual daily activities
  • sore or stiff neck
  • restlessness
  • seizures
  • shortness of breath
  • blurring or changes of vision
  • severe or persistent vomiting

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.