Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Azilect (Rasagiline).
Antidepressant medication: Severe reactions are possible when Azilect (Rasagiline) is combined with medications and natural products used to treat depression. Avoid combining Azilect (Rasagiline) and antidepressants. Symptoms of a reaction may include muscle rigidity and spasms, difficulty moving, and changes in mental state including delirium and agitation. Coma and death are also possible.
If you have taken antidepressants recently, discuss with your doctor how Azilect (Rasagiline) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Azilect (Rasagiline), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Behaviour changes: People taking Azilect (Rasagiline) have experienced abnormal behaviour such as compulsive gambling, compulsive shopping, hypersexuality, and binge eating. If you experience these symptoms or any other behaviour change while taking Azilect (Rasagiline), contact your doctor immediately.
Kidney function: Azilect (Rasagiline) should not be used by people with moderate or severe kidney function impairment. If you have reduced kidney function or Kidney Disease, discuss with your doctor how Azilect (Rasagiline) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Azilect (Rasagiline), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver function impairment: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Azilect (Rasagiline) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have reduced liver function or liver disease, discuss with your doctor how Azilect (Rasagiline) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Azilect (Rasagiline), and whether any special monitoring is needed. People with mild liver function impairment may be given 0.5 mg of Azilect (Rasagiline) daily. Do not take Azilect (Rasagiline) if you have moderate or severe liver function impairment.
Skin Cancer: People taking Azilect (Rasagiline) have a higher risk of developing skin cancer. It is unclear whether this increased risk is due to Parkinson's disease or to Azilect (Rasagiline). You and your doctor should check your skin regularly for signs of skin cancer (e.g., moles that have an irregular shape or border, moles that change colour, or moles that are larger than 6 mm).
Sudden onset of sleep: People taking Azilect (Rasagiline) have reported suddenly falling sleep without warning signs of sleepiness or drowsiness. Be careful if driving or operating machinery while taking Azilect (Rasagiline). If you experience excessive drowsiness or falling asleep suddenly, avoid operating machines or driving and contact your doctor immediately.
Pregnancy: Azilect (Rasagiline) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Azilect (Rasagiline), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: Azilect (Rasagiline) can reduce the amount of milk produced by a breast-feeding mother. It is not known if Azilect (Rasagiline) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Azilect (Rasagiline), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Azilect (Rasagiline) have not been established for children.
