Rasagiline is used on its own or together with other medicines to treat Parkinson's disease (disorder that affects the movement of a person, causing symptoms such as tremors, muscle stiffness, slowed movement and impaired balance or walking).
Take Rasagiline exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Rasagiline must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it suddenly as this may worsen your condition.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have severe liver disease as this medicine may not be suitable for you.
Do not take Rasagiline with medicines used to treat depression known as monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), certain strong painkiller and herbal medicine. Please see the section "Can I take this with other medicines?" below for more information.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- mental illness
- mild to moderate liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Notify your doctor if you are a smoker.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. liver and kidney function, skin examination) may be done while you are being treated with Rasagiline. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Your blood pressure may rise or fall to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly during treatment.
- Regular monitoring for signs of unusual changes in mood or behaviour may also be needed.
Rasagiline may cause drowsiness or suddenly falling asleep during your daily activities such as eating and watching television. Do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
This medicine may cause your blood pressure to fall suddenly when you get up from a sitting or lying down position and you may feel giddy. To minimise this problem, stand up slowly.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, stuffy nose, nausea, vomiting, constipation, indigestion, dry mouth, decreased appetite, tiredness, neck pain, muscle or joint pain, and skin rash.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- severe headache, chest pain, confusion, fever, rapid heartbeat, blurred vision
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, agitated, or having compulsive and impulsive behaviour)
- hallucination (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not existent)
- uncontrollable involuntary movements such as twitching and jerking
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Rasagiline if you are currently taking or have taken pethidine (strong painkiller) and medicines used to treat depression known as monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine and tranylcypromine in the last 14 days.
Do not take this medicine with St. John's wort (herbal medicine).
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other medicines for Parkinson's disease e.g. levodopa, entacapone
- other medicines to treat depression e.g. fluvoxamine, fluoxetine
- medicines for cold e.g. pseudoephedrine, ephedrine
- strong painkillers e.g. tramadol, methadone, propoxyphene
- medicines for mood disorders
- dextromethorphan (medicine used to relieve dry cough)
- cyclobenzaprine (medicine used to relax muscle spasm)
- ciprofloxacin (certain antibiotic)
- metoclopramide (medicine for nausea or vomiting)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Rasagiline.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol and other drinks that contain tyramine such as red wine and beer.
Avoid foods that are rich in tyramine, such as cheese, sausages, soya beans, fava beans, broad beans, and pickled foods like sauerkraut. Ask your doctor or dietitian about the types of food you should avoid.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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