Azilect (Rasagiline) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 9, 2012

Azilect

Parkinson's Disease »

What is Parkinson's disease?

Parkinson's disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder and the most common movement disorder. It is characterized by progressive loss of muscle control, which leads to trembling of the limbs and head while at rest, stiffness, slowness, and impaired balance. As symptoms worsen, it may become difficult to walk, talk, and complete simple tasks.

The progression of Parkinson's disease and the degree of impairment vary from individual to individual. Many people with Parkinson's disease live long productive lives, whereas others become disabled much more quickly. Premature death is usually due to complications such as falling-related injuries or pneumonia.

In the United States, about 1 million people are affected by Parkinson's disease and worldwide about 5 million. Most individuals who develop Parkinson's disease are 60 years of age or older. Parkinson's disease occurs in approximately 1% of i...

Read the Parkinson's Disease article »

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AZILECT®
(rasagiline mesylate) Tablets for Oral Use

DRUG DESCRIPTION

AZILECT® tablets contain rasagiline (as the mesylate), a propargylamine-based d rug indicated for the treatment of idiopathic Parkinson's disease. It is designated chemically as: 1H-Inden-1-amine, 2, 3dihydro-N-2-propynyl-, (1R)-, methanesulfonate. The empirical formula of rasagiline mesylate is (C₁₂H₁₃N)CH₄SO₃ and its molecular weight is 267.34. Its structural formula is:

AZILECT® (rasagiline mesylate) Structural Formula Illustration

Rasagiline mesylate is a white to off-white powder, freely soluble in water or ethanol and sparingly soluble in isopropanol. Each AZILECT tablet for oral administration contains rasagiline mesylate equivalent to 0.5 mg or 1 mg of rasagiline base.

Each AZILECT (rasagiline) tablet also contains the following inactive ingredients: mannitol, starch, pregelatinized starch, colloidal silicon dioxide, stearic acid and talc.

What are the possible side effects of rasagiline (Azilect)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using rasagiline and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

increased blood pressure (sudden and severe headache, confusion, blurred vision, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, seizure);
sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), problems with speech or balance;
unusual thoughts or behavior,...

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What are the precautions when taking rasagiline (Azilect)?

Before taking rasagiline, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: cerebrovascular disease (e.g., stroke), heart disease (e.g., coronary artery disease, heart attack, history of chest pain, congestive heart failure), personal/family history of high blood pressure, history of severe/frequent headaches, liver disease, sore in the stomach/intestine/esophagus (peptic ulcer), bleeding problems, diabetes, personal/family history of mental/mood disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder),...

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Last reviewed on RxList: 12/29/2009
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.