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Brand Names: Azilect

Generic Name: rasagiline (Pronunciation: ras AJ il een)

• 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 is rasagiline (Azilect)?

Rasagiline is a monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) inhibitor. It works by increasing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain.

Rasagiline is used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Rasagiline is sometimes used with another drug called levodopa.

Rasagiline may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

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, confusion, extreme agitation;
• fever, sweating, muscle stiffness;
• feeling light-headed, fainting;
• blistering skin rash;
• twitching muscle movements; or
• hallucinations (seeing things that are not there).

Continue using rasagiline and talk with your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:

• joint pain;
• mild headache, dizziness, or depressed mood;
• hair loss;
• numbness or tingly feeling;
• dry mouth, loss of appetite;
• constipation, diarrhea, upset stomach, vomiting, weight loss;
• decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm; or
• flu symptoms.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about rasagiline (Azilect)?

Do not take rasagiline if you have liver disease or an adrenal gland tumor (also called pheochromocytoma). Do not take rasagiline within 14 days before having surgery.

There are many other medicines that should not be taken together with rasagiline or serious medical problems could result. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use, including vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list with you of all the medicines you use and show this list to any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you.

While you are taking rasagiline and for 2 weeks after you stop taking it, you must not eat or drink certain foods and beverages that are high in tyramine, listed in the "What should I avoid while taking rasagiline?" section of this leaflet. Eating these foods while you are taking rasagiline can raise your blood pressure to dangerous levels. This may cause life-threatening symptoms such as sudden and severe headache, confusion, blurred vision, problems with speech or balance, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, seizure (convulsions), and sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body). Call your doctor at once if you have any of these symptoms.

You should become very familiar with the list of foods you must avoid while taking rasagiline. Continue avoiding these foods for a full 14 days after you stop taking the medication.

Rasagiline can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.