Rasagiline-Teva (Rasagiline (As Mesilate))
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Rasagiline-Teva Used For?
Rasagiline-Teva is a medication that helps manage the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. It can be used alone or combined with other Parkinson’s medications like dopamine agonists or levodopa therapy.
Primary Uses
Rasagiline-Teva treats the main symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, including shaking (tremor), muscle stiffness, and slow or unsteady movements. Parkinson’s disease affects brain cells that produce dopamine, leading to movement problems.
How It Works
Rasagiline-Teva works by increasing and maintaining dopamine levels in your brain. By preserving these important brain chemicals, it helps reduce the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and improve your movement.
Good to know: This medicine is not addictive and is only available with a doctor’s prescription.
How to Take Rasagiline-Teva
Taking Rasagiline-Teva correctly is important for managing your Parkinson’s symptoms effectively. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
Dosage Instructions
The usual dose is one 1 mg tablet taken by mouth once daily. Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water. You can take it with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day for the best results and to help you remember.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose and it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled. If you remember earlier, take it as soon as possible and then return to your normal schedule. Don’t take extra tablets to make up for a missed dose.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose, as this may increase your risk of 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-like symptoms
- General feeling of being unwell
- Neck pain
- Indigestion
- Joint pain
- Depression
- Eye inflammation
- Abdominal pain
- Falls and accidental injuries
- Dizziness when standing up
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- Difficulty moving normally
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Allergic reactions (skin rash, difficulty breathing, hay fever symptoms, feeling faint)
- New or changed skin lumps or moles
- Falling asleep without warning
- Severe dizziness or fainting when standing
Impulse Control Issues
Some patients may experience obsessive thoughts or impulsive behaviors. Contact your doctor if you notice unusual urges or behaviors.
Important Warnings
Before starting Rasagiline-Teva, it’s crucial to discuss your medical history and current medications with your doctor to ensure safe treatment.
Who Should Not Take Rasagiline-Teva
Do not take this medication if you’re allergic to rasagiline or any ingredients in the tablet, if you have liver problems, if the medication is expired or damaged, or if you’re under 18 years old. Always check with your doctor if you’re unsure.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have liver problems or if you smoke, as nicotine can affect how much rasagiline stays in your body. Also discuss any skin changes, as this medication may possibly increase the risk of skin cancer.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
If you’re pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before taking this medication.
Skin Cancer Risk: People with Parkinson’s disease may have a higher risk of skin cancer. Report any new or changed skin lumps or moles to your doctor and have regular skin examinations.
Drug Interactions
Rasagiline-Teva can interact with many medications, which may be dangerous. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you’re taking.
Timing Important: Wait at least 14 days between stopping Rasagiline-Teva and starting MAOI medicines or pethidine. Wait 5 weeks between stopping fluoxetine and starting Rasagiline-Teva.
- Other monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) for depression or Parkinson’s disease
- St. John’s Wort and other natural products with MAOI activity
- Pethidine (strong pain killer)
- Ciprofloxacin (antibiotic)
- Antidepressants (SSRIs, tricyclic, 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
Rasagiline-Teva can affect your alertness and coordination, so take precautions with alcohol and driving.
Alcohol
Be careful when drinking alcohol while taking this medicine. Tell your doctor about your alcohol consumption. Avoid excessive amounts of foods rich in tyramine (aged cheese, red wine) as they could rarely cause dangerous increases in blood pressure.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Don’t drive, operate machinery, or work at heights if you’ve fallen asleep without warning before using this medication. Be cautious until you know how the medication affects you, as it may cause daytime sleepiness. If you feel dizzy or faint when standing, get up slowly.
Storage
Store Rasagiline-Teva below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Keep tablets in the blister pack until you’re ready to take them. Don’t store in bathrooms, cars, or on windowsills. Keep out of reach of children in a locked cupboard at least 1.5 meters above ground. Take expired or unwanted medicine to any pharmacy for safe disposal.
Overdose Information
If you think you’ve taken too much Rasagiline-Teva, seek immediate medical attention even if you feel fine. Call the Poisons Information Centre at 13 11 26, contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Rasagiline-Teva can be taken with or without food. Take it with a full glass of water.
No, Rasagiline-Teva is not addictive according to the product information.
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember and return to your normal schedule. Never take a double dose.
Be careful when drinking alcohol while taking this medicine. Discuss your alcohol consumption with your doctor.
Do not stop taking this medicine without first checking with your doctor. Sudden stopping may affect your Parkinson’s symptoms.
The medication works by maintaining dopamine levels in your brain to help control Parkinson’s symptoms. Your doctor will monitor your progress to assess effectiveness.
The medication can be prescribed to elderly patients, but they should be monitored for falls and accidental injuries, which are listed as potential side effects.
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.