Rasalet 0.5

Indications

Rasagiline is used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, either on its own in early disease or added to Levodopa to reduce "off" periods, when symptoms come back between doses.

How It Works

Parkinson's disease causes a shortage of dopamine, a brain messenger that controls movement. Rasagiline blocks monoamine oxidase type B (MAO-B), an enzyme that breaks down dopamine in the brain. This keeps more dopamine available and improves stiffness, slowness and tremor.

Dosage and Administration

The usual adult dose is 1 mg once daily, with or without food. When added to Levodopa, or in people with mild liver problems or taking certain other medicines, the doctor may use 0.5 mg once daily. Take it at the same time each day and follow your doctor's instructions.

Interactions

• Do not use with other MAO inhibitors, Pethidine, Tramadol, Methadone, Dextromethorphan or St John's Wort; wait at least 14 days after stopping Rasagiline before starting these.
• Antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclics) raise the risk of serotonin syndrome and need close medical supervision; Fluoxetine and Fluvoxamine should be avoided.
• Ciprofloxacin can raise Rasagiline levels.
• Decongestants such as Pseudoephedrine and Ephedrine can raise blood pressure.

Contraindications

• Allergy to Rasagiline.
• Severe liver impairment.
• Use with other MAO inhibitors or Pethidine.

Side Effects

Common side effects include headache, joint pain, indigestion, flu-like symptoms, dizziness on standing, and, when used with Levodopa, uncontrolled movements (dyskinesia), falls and hallucinations. Some people feel sleepy or fall asleep suddenly during the day.

Get urgent medical help if you have a severe headache with very high blood pressure, confusion, fever, stiffness or twitching (possible serotonin syndrome), hallucinations, a severe allergic reaction, or sudden sleep episodes while driving or working. Tell your doctor about urges to gamble, shop or eat excessively.

Pregnancy and Lactation

There is limited information on use in pregnancy, and it may reduce breast milk production. Use only if your doctor advises it.

Precautions and Warnings

• Do not drive or operate machinery if you feel sleepy or have sudden sleep attacks.
• Have your skin checked regularly, as melanoma (a skin cancer) is more common in Parkinson's disease.
• Use with care in mild liver disease.
• Rise slowly from sitting or lying to avoid dizziness.

Overdose

Overdose may cause headache, agitation, sleepiness, changes in blood pressure, fast heartbeat and serotonin syndrome. Seek emergency medical help.

Therapeutic Class

Antiparkinson agent, monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) inhibitor.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.