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Rasagiline Oral tablet

What is this medicine?

RASAGILINE (ra SA ji leen) is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). It is used to treat Parkinson's disease.

 

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • liver disease

  • pheochromocytoma

  • taken an MAOI like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, or Parnate in last 14 days

  • taking any of the following medicines: amphetamine, cyclobenzaprine, dextromethorphan, methadone, mirtazapine, propoxyphene, pseudoephedrine, St. John's Wort, tramadol, or other stimulant medicine for attention or focus, for cold or congestion, or for weight loss

  • unwilling to follow diet restrictions

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to rasagiline, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

  • bupropion

  • buspirone

  • carbamazepine

  • clonidine

  • cyclobenzaprine

  • dextromethorphan

  • diphenoxylate

  • furazolidone

  • green tea

  • isoniazid

  • linezolid

  • MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

  • maprotiline

  • medicines for cold or congestion like pseudoephedrine

  • medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances

  • medicines for sleep during surgery

  • meperidine

  • methadone

  • mirtazapine

  • propoxyphene

  • reserpine

  • SAM-e

  • St. John's Wort

  • stimulant medicines for attention, focus, or weight loss

  • tramadol

  • tryptophan

  • yohimbine

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

  • amiodarone

  • anagrelide

  • antibiotics like ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin

  • barbiturates for sleep or seizures

  • cimetidine

  • contrast dyes

  • female hormones, like estrogens

  • kava kava

  • levodopa

  • medicines for blood pressure, heart disease or irregular heart beat

  • narcotic medicines for pain

  • tacrine

  • theophylline

  • tizanidine

  • valerian

  • zileuton

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Even after you stop taking this medicine the effects can last for two weeks or more.

This medicine may increase your risk of getting skin cancer. Report any irregular moles, dark or white spots, or sores that do not heal. Have your skin checked for skin cancer regularly.

This medicine may interact with foods that have tyramine. If you eat foods that contain a high level of tyramine you may get severe headaches, high blood pressure, or irregular heart beat. Some foods that have a lot of tyramine are aged cheese; aged, smoked, pickled, or processed meats and fish (like bologna, pepperoni, salami, summer sausage); some red wines, beers, and other liqueurs; avocados, bananas, figs, raisins, or any over-ripe fruit; soy sauce; miso soup; yeast/protein extracts; tofu or other bean curd. Also, avoid drinks that have caffeine, like tea, coffee, chocolate, or cola. Ask your health care provider for a complete listing of foods to be limited or avoided. Avoid these foods and beverages while you are taking this medicine and for 2 weeks after you stop using this medicine. Get medical help right away if you have a severe headache, blurred vision, difficulty thinking, stupor or coma, seizures, chest pain, unexplained nausea or vomiting, or signs or symptoms of a stroke.

Talk to your doctor if you are taking, or are planning to take, any prescription or over-the-counter drugs, especially antidepressants and over-the-counter cold medications. Some medicines may interact with this medicine and could cause you adverse effects. Do not take meperidine while you are taking this medicine or for 14 days after you have stopped taking this medicine. If you take levodopa with this medicine you may have more uncontrolled movements or you may have dizziness when you stand.

If you are scheduled for any medical or dental procedure, tell your healthcare provider that you are taking this medicine. This medicine can interact with other medicines used during surgery. You may need to stop taking this medicine 14 days or more before the procedure. Talk to your doctor.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

  • changes in vision

  • chest pain

  • confusion

  • hallucination

  • high blood pressure

  • fast, irregular heartbeat

  • feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

  • fever

  • memory loss

  • muscle or neck stiffness or spasm

  • numbness or pain in the arms or legs, especially on one side only

  • problems with balance, talking, or walking

  • seizures

  • sudden severe headache

  • suicidal thoughts or other mood changes

  • unexpected weight loss

  • unexplained nausea or vomiting

  • unusual sweating

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • bruising

  • diarrhea or constipation

  • dry mouth

  • loss of appetite

  • muscle pain or cramps

  • stomach upset or heartburn

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Publication Source: U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert
Date Last Reviewed: 9/6/2009
Date Last Modified: 9/6/2009