What is Azilect?

Azilect and the generic alternative Rasagiline is a medication used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease such as shakiness, stiffness, tremors, spasms and poor muscle control. Azilect can also help to reduce the amount of periods of slow movement or stiffness (“off-time”).

How does Rasagiline work?

Rasagiline belongs to a class of medications known as MAO inhibitors and works to treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease by increasing the levels of certain natural chemicals in the brain such as dopamine, norepinephrine or serotonin. It is thought that Parkinson’s disease is caused by too little dopamine in the brain. Often Azilect is used alongside another medication such as levodopa or carbidopa.

Always read the patient information and instructions carefully before using this medication.

• Azilect is an oral tablet that comes in 1mg and 0.5mg strength and it can be taken with or without food.
• Your rasagiline dosage is based on your medical condition, other medications you take and your response to treatment. You should not increase your rasagiline dosage or take it more than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any quicker but the chance of side effects will increase.
• You should not stop taking Azilect without consulting with a doctor. Your doctor may decide to gradually lower your dose as some conditions can become worse when this medication is stopped suddenly.
• Avoid foods which are high in tyramine, such as aged cheeses, while taking this medication.

Make sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist:

• If you have any drug allergies.
• Which other prescription and non-prescription medications you currently take.
• Your medical history especially of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, severe or frequent headaches, liver disease, mental or mood disorders, diabetes, overactive thyroid, sleep disorders and the adrenal gland tumor pheochromocytoma.
• If you are breast feeding.
• If you are using marijuana.

Also be aware that:

• Azilect can make you drowsy or dizzy. You should not drive, operate machinery or do any other activities which require alertness until it can be done safely.
• You should limit your alcohol while taking this medication. Ask your doctor what is a safe amount of alcohol to consume while taking rasagiline.
• This medication should only be used when clearly needed during pregnancy.

Common Azilect side effects may include but are not limited to:

• Depressed mood.
• Sleep problems including insomnia or strange dreams.
• Involuntary muscle movements.
• Loss of appetite or weight loss.
• Nausea, vomiting, indigestion, stomach pain or constipation.
• Pain or stiffness in your joints.
• Rashes.
• Coughing, dry mouth or other symptoms of the flu.
• Swelling in your hands or feet.

Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following rasagiline side effects:

• Worsening symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, especially uncontrolled muscle movements.
• Severe headache or pounding in your neck or ears.
• Falling asleep suddenly, even after feeling alert or extreme drowsiness.
• Hallucinations.
• Unusual changes to your mood or behavior.
• Lightheadedness or the feeling that you may pass out.
• Signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, difficulty breathing or a swelling of your face, tongue or throat.
• Symptoms of serotonin syndrome such as agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, shivering, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
• Intense urges such as increased sexual urges or unusual urges to gamble.

Q: What should I do if I miss a dose of rasagiline?

A: If you miss a dose of rasagiline, skip your missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule.

Q: Do I need to follow a special diet while taking rasagiline?

A: You should avoid food which contain a high amount of tyramine such as aged cheeses (Stilton or blue cheese) while taking this medication.