Indications 

Azilect is used alone or in combination with other medications like levodopa/carbidopa to alleviate symptoms of Parkinson’s disease including tremors, stiffness, and mobility difficulties. It can also help reduce the duration of “off” time, which are periods of slow movement or stiffness. 

As a monoamine oxidase (MAO)-B inhibitor (MAOI), Azilect works through the elevation of certain endogenous substances in the brain, including dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. 

Uses and Dosage 

Prior to administering Azilect and with each refill, thoroughly review its medication guide and patient information leaflet. Do not hesitate to seek advice from your physician or pharmacist for any queries or apprehensions. 

Azilect dosage is individualized and titrated according to the patient’s medical condition, response to treatment, and concurrent medications. 

Typically, Azilect is taken once a day as prescribed by the doctor, without regard to food intake.  

For optimal efficacy, take this medication regularly around the same time(s) daily. Do not exceed the prescribed dosage or frequency of Azilect administration. Doing so will not expedite symptom relief and can heighten the likelihood of adverse reactions. 

Abrupt discontinuation of Azilect is discouraged without prior medical consultation. Stopping the medication suddenly may exacerbate certain conditions; a gradual reduction in dosage may be necessary. 

Side Effects 

Listed below are the side effects associated with the use of Azilect. If any of them last or worsen, inform your doctor promptly. 

Common Side Effects 

• Depressed mood 
• Sleep problems (insomnia) 
• Strange dreams 
• Involuntary muscle movements 
• Loss of appetite 
• Weight loss 
• Indigestion 
• Stomach pain 
• Nausea 
• Vomiting 
• Constipation 
• Joint pain or stiffness 
• Rash 
• Cough or other flu symptoms 
• Dry mouth 
• Swelling in the hands or feet 

Serious Side Effects 

• Severe headache 
• Blurred vision 
• Pounding in neck or ears 
• Extreme drowsiness or sudden sleepiness 
• Unusual changes in mood or behavior 
• Hallucinations 
• Light-headed feeling 
• Worsening symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, particularly uncontrolled muscle movements 

Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the above-listed severe side effects. 

Seek medical attention right away if symptoms of serotonin syndrome occur, such as: 

• Agitation 
• Hallucinations 
• Fever 
• Sweating 
• Shivering 
• Fast heart rate 
• Muscle stiffness 
• Twitching 
• Loss of coordination 
• Nausea 
• Vomiting 
• Diarrhea 

Allergic Reactions 

A severe allergic reaction to Azilect is uncommon. However, seek emergency medical attention if you exhibit signs of an allergic reaction, such as: 

• Rash 
• Itching or swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat) 
• Severe dizziness 
• Trouble breathing 

This list does not contain all the potential side effects of Azilect. Inform your doctor if other side effects not listed above are experienced. 

Cautions 

Before taking Azilect, inform your doctor and pharmacist if you have any known hypersensitivities, especially to rasagiline, other medicines, or any ingredients present in Azilect tablets. 

Before starting treatment with Azilect, disclose your medical history to your doctor, especially of:  

• Heart diseases, such as chest pain, coronary artery disease, heart attack, or heart failure 
• Stroke 
• High blood pressure 
• Severe/frequent headaches 
• Liver disease 
• Mental/mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder, depression, or schizophrenia 
• Diabetes 
• Overactive thyroid 
• Pheochromocytoma (tumor found in the adrenal gland) 
• Sleep disorders 

Inform your doctor of all medications you use, including prescription, over the counter, vitamin, and herbal products, as several drugs can cause severe medical problems when taken with Azilect. Avoid starting new medication without notifying your doctor and maintain a list of all your medicines to share with any healthcare provider treating you. 

Abstain from the consumption of Azilect if any other MAO inhibitor has been taken within the preceding 14 days, as it may result in a hazardous drug interaction. Some examples of MAO inhibitors include: 

• Isocarboxazid 
• Linezolid 
• Methylene blue injection 
• Phenelzine 
• Selegiline 
• Tranylcypromine, among others 

Concurrent use of the following drugs listed below with Azilect is contraindicated, and your treatment plan may require modification by your physician:  

• Cyclobenzaprine (a muscle relaxer) 
• Dextromethorphan (found in many over-the-counter cough medicines) 
• Meperidine (Demerol) 
• Methadone 
• St. John’s wort 
• Tramadol (Ultram, Ultracet) 

Be sure to inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following: stimulant medicine, opioid medicine, herbal products, medication for depression, mental illness, migraine headaches, serious infections, or prevention of nausea and vomiting. These medications can interact with Azilect, causing severe serotonin syndrome. 

Azilect may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, sweating, and fainting when rising quickly from a lying position. This is more common in the first two months of intake. To prevent this, rise slowly from a lying position, resting your feet on the floor for a few minutes before standing up. 

Some Azilect users taking it with levodopa have experienced daytime sleepiness or drowsiness, leading to unexpected falls during normal activities like working, talking, eating, or driving. Consult your doctor if you experience any such symptoms. 

Azilect use may heighten sexual urges, unusual gambling urges, or other intense urges. Consult your doctor if these symptoms occur. 

Azilect should only be used during pregnancy if deemed necessary. Discuss the potential risks and benefits with a healthcare professional prior to intake. 

The potential transfer of rasagiline into breast milk is currently uncertain. Seek guidance from your healthcare provider before breastfeeding when taking this medication.