Azilect

The active ingredient in Azilect is rasagiline mesylate, which is considered a monoamine oxidase type B (MAO-B) inhibitor. Its mechanism of action involves blocking the enzyme MAO-B, which is found in your brain and breaks down dopamine. Doing this increases dopamine levels, which aids in managing your symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide, before using Azilect. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Azilect:

• Your dosage may vary if you use Azilect by itself (monotherapy) as opposed to in combination (adjunct) with other Parkinson's drugs. Pay close attention to your doctor's dosage recommendations.
• Azilect might only be a component of a comprehensive treatment plan that also calls for a particular diet. Adhere to the diet plan that your physician or nutritionist has developed for you.
• Learn which meals to avoid to help avoid some of the negative effects of rasagiline.
• If, while taking Azilect, you have worsening Parkinson's symptoms, give your doctor a call.

The most common side effects of Azilect seen in clinical trials include:

• Headache.
• Joint pain.
• Depression.
• Pink eye.
• Stomach flu.
• Runny nose.
• Dry mouth.
• Stomach upset.
• Weight loss.
• Constipation.
• Sleepiness or drowsiness.
• Orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure when sitting or standing up).

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Azilect. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Hallucinations, coma, seizures, disorientation, restlessness, fainting, shivering, perspiration, high fevers, headaches, racing hearts, elevated blood pressure (hypertension), diarrhea, tremors, and muscle stiffness are all symptoms of serotonin syndrome.
• Extremely high fevers, disorientation, erratic pulse, perspiration, tight muscles, and blood pressure fluctuations are all symptoms of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS).
• Increased risk of dyskinesia (eg, twitching, twisting, uncontrolled repetitive movements of tongue, lips, face, arms, or legs) if taken along with levodopa.
• Impulse control problems, which may include symptoms such as an increased urge to gamble or spend money.
• Allergic reaction to the medication.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Azilect. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Azilect, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• A rasagiline allergy.
• Taken another monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within the last 14 days. This includes isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, selegiline, and tranylcypromine.
• Low or high blood pressure.
• Liver disease or kidney disease.
• Taken any additional medications that can increase your serotonin levels.
• Any risk factors for melanoma or skin cancer.
• A diet that contains tyramine. These foods can raise your blood pressure to dangerous levels while on Azilect, and include aged cheeses, fava beans, soy sauce, herring, pickled or processed meats, and fish. This also includes red wine, vermouth, and tap beers or ale.

• Propoxyphene, methadone (Dolophine), tramadol (Ultram), meperidine (Demerol), and MAO inhibitors (MAOIs), including MAO-B inhibitors.
• If you use Amrix (cyclobenzaprine).
• If you take Delsym or dextromethorphan.
• St. John's Wort.

Within a week of using Rasagiline (Azilect), your PD symptoms may begin to improve.

When Azilect is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• A muscle relaxant like cyclobenzaprine.
• Over-the-counter cough medications that contain dextromethorphan.
• Meperidine.
• Methadone.
• St. John's Wort.
• Tramadol.
• Levodopa.
• Carbidopa.
• Pseudoephedrine.
• Ephedrine.
• Ciprofloxacin.
• A tricyclic antidepressant within the past 2 weeks, such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline, or protriptyline.
• A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) like fluoxetine or a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) within the past 2 weeks.

The medications you take for Parkinson's disease will determine the dosage.

Individuals without levodopa or any additional PD drugs: 1 mg taken orally once daily is the usual initial dosage.

For individuals using levodopa or any other PD drugs: 0.5 mg taken orally once daily is the usual first dosage. Your response to Azilect may determine how much levodopa your doctor prescribes.

Store Azilect at room temperature and keep out of reach of children.

Teva Pharmaceuticals Inc. is the company that manufactures Azilect.

There are several lower-cost generic versions of Azilect available.

Avoid abruptly stopping Azilect since this may result in unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Find out from your doctor how to discontinue using this medication safely.

It is not known if Azilect is safe to take while pregnant. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

It is not known if Azilect is found in breast milk or what effects it may have on your unborn baby or milk production. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.