Azilect Side Effects

Serious Side Effects of Azilect

hypertension (high blood pressure) which may cause symptoms of blurry vision, buzzing in ears, feeling of anxiousness, nervousness, or confusion, chest tention. trouble breathing or shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, or a seizure
rapid heart rate
nauseousness or vomiting
severe diarrhea
difficulty coordinating
feeling irritated
hallucinating
severe numb feelings or muscle weakness
faintness or passing out
muscle spasms, twitching or rigidness
serious allergic reaction which may include a rash, hives, swelling of the tongue, throat, mouth or face and difficulty breathing

Common Side Effects of Azilect

aching of the joints
feeling depressed
gastrointestinal and bowel reactions which may include constipation or diarrhea, upset stomach and vomiting
loss of appetite, decrease in weight and dryness of the mouth
nightmares
feeling numb or tingly
hair reduction
dizziness or feeling as if the room is spinning
minor headache
flu-like symptoms such as a fever, chills and aching
trouble having sex or loss in desire to have sex (decreased libido)

Warnings & Recalls for Azilect

Azilect and Pregnancy

Azilect has been listed as an FDA pregnancy Category C medicine. Sufficient studies have not been conducted to determine if Azilect may harm the fetus when taken by a woman who is pregnant nor if it passes through breast-milk. Azilect has been shown to decrease the speed of milk production. Discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of taking Azilect if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

General Warnings

Do not take Azilect if you are allergic to any ingredient in Azilect or if in the past two weeks you have used:

the narcotic meperidine
opioids such as propoxyphene, tramadol or methadone
St. John's wort
cyclobenzaprine (a medication for reducing muscle pain and spasms)
dextromethorphan (for treating coughs related to the flu or other illnesses)
any MAO (monoamine oxidase) inhibitors

Let your doctor know about any health conditions you may have or if you:

have liver disease
are currently taking any prescribed or non-prescribed medicines
are allergic to any other medicines

This medication may increase the risk of developing melanoma (skin cancer). It has not been proven if melanoma is caused directly by Azilect or Parkinson's disease. Ask your doctor about this risk before taking Azilect and be sure to have frequent skin examinations while taking Azilect.

Azilect Treatment and Use

Azilect| rasagiline is a monoamine oxidase-B inhibitor marketed by Teva Neuroscience Inc. for reducing the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Patients may be prescribed levodopa while using Azilect as a treatment.

How Does Azilect Work?

Azilect treats Parkinson’s disease by blocking monoamine oxidase (MAO) enzymes that break down chemicals in the brain. By preventing the breaking down of chemicals such as dopamine, healthy levels of these chemicals may be restored.

How to Use Azilect

Azilect comes in tablet form to be taken by mouth. Azilect is usually prescribed to be taken in 0.5mg or 1mg doses once per day. Ask your doctor about specific dietary restrictions, patients may be asked to avoid consumption of cheese products while taking Azilect and for 14 days after. Take Azilect as directed by your doctor. Do not end your use of Azilect suddenly, this may result in a withdrawal.

Other Names for Azilect

Brand name:

Azilect

Generic name:

rasagiline