In this Article

• What is rasagiline (Azilect)?
• What are the possible side effects of rasagiline (Azilect)?
• What is the most important information I should know about rasagiline (Azilect)?
• What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking rasagiline (Azilect)?
• How should I take rasagiline (Azilect)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Azilect)?
• What happens if I overdose (Azilect)?
• What should I avoid while taking rasagiline (Azilect)?
• What other drugs will affect rasagiline (Azilect)?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking rasagiline (Azilect)?

You should not take rasagiline if you are allergic to it.

Do not take rasagiline if you have taken any of the following drugs within the past 14 days:

• meperidine (Demerol);
• tramadol (Ultram);
• propoxyphene (Darvon, Darvocet);
• methadone (Methadose, Dolophine);
• St. John's wort;
• cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril, Amrix, Fexmid); or
• dextromethorphan (contained in many over-the-counter cough medicines).

Do not use rasagiline if you have taken another MAO inhibitor such as furazolidone (Furoxone), isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. Serious, life threatening side effects can occur if you use rasagiline before the other MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body.

If you have liver disease, you may need a rasagiline dose adjustment or special tests.

Some people taking Parkinson's disease medications have developed skin cancer (melanoma). However, people with Parkinson's disease may have a higher risk of melanoma. Talk to your doctor about this risk and what skin symptoms to watch for. You may need to have regular skin exams.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether rasagiline will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication..

It is not known whether rasagiline passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Rasagiline may slow breast milk production. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take rasagiline (Azilect)?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Rasagiline is usually taken once daily. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.

If you also take levodopa, your dose may be changed when you start taking rasagiline.

While you are taking rasagiline and for 2 weeks after you stop taking it, you may not be able to eat certain types of cheese. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Use rasagiline regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Rasagiline is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes a diet plan created for you by your doctor or nutrition counselor.

Do not stop using rasagiline suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when you stop using rasagiline.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.