Rotigotine is used on its own or together with other medicines to treat Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease is a disorder that affects the movement of a person, causing symptoms such as tremors, muscle stiffness, slowed movement, and impaired balance or walking.
This medicine may also be used to treat restless legs syndrome (a nerve disorder that causes an uncontrollable urge to move your legs due to an uncomfortable sensation).
Apply Rotigotine patch on your skin exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not apply more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Do not apply the patch on broken skin. Do not cut the patch. The release pattern of the medicine will be affected if you cut the patch. Do not use it for a longer period than instructed by your doctor.
To apply the patch, follow these steps:
- Remove the patch from the protective foil pouch and peel away half of the liner. Do not touch the sticky side with your fingers.
- Apply the patch to a clean, dry, and hairless area of your stomach, hip, thigh, shoulder, or upper arm. Make sure that the area of the skin is not oily, cut, blistered, or irritated. The skin should be free of any powder, creams, or lotions. If the area of skin is hairy, you should shave the area for at least 3 days before applying the patch. Do not put the patch near the waistline, or where your belt or clothes may rub against it.
- Peel away the other half of the liner. Press firmly on the skin for 30 seconds to ensure that the patch stays in place.
- Apply the patch at around the same time every day.
- Replace the patch every 24 hours. Change the site of application every day to avoid skin irritation. For example, if you put the patch on your right hip on the first day, put it on your left hip on the second day, and so on. Do not apply the patch to the same area of skin more than once in 14 days.
- If the patch falls off, apply a new patch to a new area of skin and change the patch at the usual scheduled time. If the sides of the patch lift up, use a plaster or bandage to secure it to your skin.
- Throw away the used patch by folding the sticky sides together, put it back in the empty pouch, and place it in a rubbish bin. Do not throw it into the toilet bowl. Wash your hands after throwing the used patch.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of treatment depending on the severity of your condition and response to the medication.
Rotigotine must be used regularly for it to be effective. Continue using this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop using it suddenly as this may worsen your condition.
Apply 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 to make up for a missed dose.
If you often forget to apply your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart disease
- cerebrovascular disease (disease of the blood vessels supplying the brain)
- mental illness
- severe liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you are going to have certain medical procedures such as magnetic resonance imaging or MRI (a type of imaging test that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed pictures of the inside of your body) or cardioversion (a procedure to restore an irregular heartbeat to the normal rhythm), inform your doctor that you are using Rotigotine.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly. Your blood pressure may rise or fall to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly during treatment.
Rotigotine may cause you to suddenly fall 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, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, dry mouth, stomach pain, loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, and generalised weakness or lack of energy.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, agitated, or having compulsive and impulsive behaviour)
- uncontrollable involuntary movements such as twitching and jerking or worsening tremors
- shortness of breath, chest pain, cough which may contain blood
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines to treat depression
- medicines for mood disorders
- medicines for anxiety
- strong painkillers
- metoclopramide (medicine for nausea or vomiting)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Rotigotine.
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.
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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