Rasagiline Tablets

What is this medication?

RASAGILINE (ra SA ji leen) treats the symptoms of Parkinson disease. It works by increasing the amount of dopamine in your brain, a substance which helps manage body movements and coordination. This reduces the symptoms of Parkinson, such as body stiffness and tremors. It belongs to a group of medications called MAOIs.

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

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Azilect

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

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

• Frequently drink alcohol
• High blood pressure
• Liver disease
• Low blood pressure
• Mental health conditions
• Sleep disorders
• Urges to engage in impulsive behaviors in ways that are unusual for you
• An unusual or allergic reaction to rasagiline, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication 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 medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Cyclobenzaprine
• Dextromethorphan
• Linezolid
• Other MAOIs, such as Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
• Methylene blue
• Opioids
• Stimulant medications for ADHD, weight loss, or staying awake
• Supplements, such as St. John's wort or tryptophan

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Alcohol
• Antihistamines for allergy, cough and cold
• Certain medications for depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions
• Ciprofloxacin
• Decongestants, including nasal sprays or eye drops
• Isoniazid
• Medications that help you fall asleep
• Metoclopramide

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 medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. Do not stop taking except on your care team's advice. You may develop a severe reaction. Your care team will tell you how much medication to take.

This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgement. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.

When taking this medication, you may fall asleep without notice. You may be doing activities like driving a car, talking, or eating. You may not feel drowsy before it happens. Contact your care team right away if this happens to you.

There have been reports of increased sexual urges or other strong urges such as gambling while taking this medication. If you experience any of these while taking this medication, you should report this to your care team as soon as possible.

Foods that contain very high amounts of tyramine, such as aged, fermented, cured, smoked and pickled foods, should be avoided while taking this medication. The combination may cause a dangerous rise in blood pressure. Ask your care team, pharmacist, or nutritionist for a complete listing of foods and beverages that are high in tyramine. If you consume a food or beverage very rich in tyramine and do not feel well soon after eating, contact your care team.

Some medications may interact with this medication and could cause adverse effects. Talk to your care team if you are taking or planning to take any over-the-counter medications, especially cough remedies or decongestants, including nasal sprays or eye drops. This medication may also interact with antidepressants and certain medications for pain. Contact your care team before taking new medications including antidepressants, pain medications, or prescription or over-the-counter medications for congestion, cough, colds, or allergies.

If you are scheduled for any medical or dental procedure, tell your care team that you are taking this medication. This medication can interact with other medications used during surgery.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Falling asleep during daily activities
• Increase in blood pressure
• Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision
• Mood and behavior changes—anxiety, nervousness, irritability and restlessness, confusion, hallucinations, feeling distrust or suspicion of others
• New or worsening uncontrolled and repetitive movements of the face, mouth, or upper body
• Urges to engage in impulsive behaviors such as gambling, binge eating, sexual activity, or shopping in ways that are unusual for you

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

• Flu-like symptoms—fever, chills, muscle pain, cough, headache, fatigue
• Joint pain
• Upset stomach

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 medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.