Rasagin Tablet 0.5mg Tablets

Rasagiline is used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. It can be taken on its own or with other Parkinson's medicines.

It belongs to a group of medicines called monoamine oxidase type B (MAO-B) inhibitors. It works by raising the amount of dopamine, a brain chemical that helps control movement.

Take rasagiline exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you.

• Take it once a day at about the same time, with or without food.
• If you miss a dose, skip it and take the next dose at the usual time the next day. Never take two doses together.
• Do not stop taking it suddenly. Stopping quickly can cause fever, stiff muscles, unsteadiness or confusion; your doctor will lower the dose slowly.
• Avoid foods that are very high in tyramine, such as strong aged cheeses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a list.

Common side effects include:

• headache, joint or neck pain
• feeling sick, constipation or diarrhoea
• dry mouth or loss of appetite
• sleepiness, unsteadiness or unusual dreams
• movements you cannot control
• dizziness when standing up

Get medical help straight away if you have:

• a sudden severe headache, chest pain, blurred vision or confusion (possible signs of very high blood pressure)
• fits, fainting, slurred speech, or weakness or numbness in an arm or leg
• hallucinations or extreme restlessness

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you:

• take, or have taken in the last 2 weeks, another MAO inhibitor
• take antidepressants, cough medicines with dextromethorphan, or St John's wort
• have high blood pressure, liver or kidney disease
• have a mental health condition such as psychosis
• are pregnant, planning a baby or breastfeeding

Keep it in the original, tightly closed container at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of the reach of children. Do not flush unused medicine; ask your pharmacist how to dispose of it.

Some people taking medicines like rasagiline develop strong urges, such as gambling or increased sexual urges. Tell your doctor if this happens; family members may notice it first.

People with Parkinson's have a higher risk of melanoma (a skin cancer), so have your skin checked regularly.

Get up slowly from sitting or lying, especially in the first 2 months.