Azilect (Rasagiline)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Azilect Used For?
Azilect contains rasagiline and belongs to a class of medications called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO). It is specifically designed to help manage the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
Primary Uses
Azilect is used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, including shaking (tremor), muscle stiffness, and slow and unsteady movement. It can be taken alone or combined with other Parkinson’s medications like dopamine agonists or levodopa therapy.
How It Works
In Parkinson’s disease, there is a loss of cells that produce dopamine in certain areas of the brain. Azilect works by increasing and maintaining the level of dopamine in your brain, which helps decrease the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
Good to know: This medicine is not addictive and is only available with a doctor’s prescription.
How to Take Azilect
Azilect should be taken consistently at the same time each day for the best effect and to help you remember to take it.
Dosage Instructions
The usual dose is one 1 mg tablet taken by mouth once daily. Swallow the tablets whole with a full glass of water. Azilect can be taken with or without food. Take the exact amount your doctor prescribes and follow all directions carefully.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss your dose at the usual time and it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when scheduled. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. If you’re unsure what to do, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose, as this may increase your chance of getting unwanted side effects.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- headache
- flu syndrome
- malaise
- neck pain
- indigestion
- joint pain
- depression
- eye inflammation
- abdominal pain
- accidental injury (primarily falls)
- dizziness when standing up due to low blood pressure
- constipation
- vomiting
- weight loss
- difficulty moving normally
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- unusual skin lumps or moles that are new or have changed
- signs of allergic reaction (skin rash, difficulty breathing, hay fever symptoms, feeling faint)
- suspicious skin changes (possible increased risk of skin cancer including melanoma)
Impulse Control Issues
Some patients may experience obsessive thoughts or impulsive behavior. Contact your doctor if you notice these symptoms.
Important Warnings
There are several important safety considerations before starting Azilect. Make sure to discuss your complete medical history with your doctor.
Who Should Not Take Azilect
Do not use Azilect if you are allergic to rasagiline or any ingredients in the medication, if you have liver problems, if the medication is expired or packaging is damaged, or if you don’t understand the instructions (ask your doctor or pharmacist for help).
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have liver problems or if you smoke, as nicotine can affect the amount of rasagiline in your body. You should also discuss any suspicious skin changes with your doctor, as treatment with Azilect may possibly increase the risk of skin cancer.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Your doctor can discuss the risks and benefits with you. Call your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while taking Azilect.
Children Under 18: Azilect should not be given to children under 18 years of age as there is no specific information about such use.
Drug Interactions
Azilect can interact with many medications, some of which can be dangerous. Always tell your doctor about all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you’re taking.
Timing Important: Wait at least 14 days between stopping Azilect and starting MAOI medicines or pethidine. Wait at least 5 weeks between stopping fluoxetine and starting Azilect.
- Other monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) for depression, Parkinson’s disease, or other conditions
- Natural products with MAOI activity (such as St. John’s Wort)
- Pethidine (strong pain killer)
- Ciprofloxacin (antibiotic)
- Antidepressants including SSRIs, tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants
- Fluoxetine and fluvoxamine (specific antidepressants)
- Dextromethorphan (cough medicine)
- Cold and flu medications containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine
- Clozapine (for schizophrenia)
- Other Parkinson’s disease medications
Alcohol & Driving
Azilect can affect your ability to drive and may interact with alcohol. Take precautions to ensure your safety and the safety of others.
Alcohol
Be careful when drinking alcohol while taking Azilect. Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol so they can advise you appropriately.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Do not drive, operate machinery, or work at heights if you have fallen asleep without warning before using Azilect. Be careful before driving or using machines until you know how Azilect affects you, as it may cause daytime sleepiness during daily activities.
Blood Pressure Changes
If you feel light-headed, dizzy, or faint when getting out of bed or standing up, get up slowly. Standing up slowly will help your body adjust to changes in position and blood pressure. If this problem continues or worsens, talk to your doctor.
Storage
Store Azilect below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Keep it in the original blister pack until it’s time to take it. Don’t store it in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep it in a locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half meters above ground, away from children.
Overdose Information
If you think you have taken too much Azilect, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Call the Poisons Information Centre at 13 11 26, contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. Do this even if you don’t feel unwell or show signs of poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Azilect can be taken with or without food. Take it at the same time each day for best results.
No, Azilect is not addictive. It is only available with a doctor’s prescription.
Do not stop taking Azilect without first checking with your doctor. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your medication.
Be careful when drinking alcohol while taking Azilect. Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol so they can provide appropriate guidance.
Avoid eating excessive amounts of foods rich in tyramine (such as aged cheese and red wine) as this could rarely cause an increase in blood pressure. Your doctor or pharmacist can advise you on tyramine-rich foods.
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Yes, tell your doctor about any unusual skin lumps or moles that are new or have changed. People with Parkinson’s disease taking Azilect should have periodic skin examinations as there may be an increased risk of skin cancer.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.