Warnings & Recalls for Neupro
Neupro and Pregnancy
Neupro is an FDA
pregnancy Category C medicine. It is
not known if Neupro will harm the fetus or if it may be passed into breast-milk and harm a baby that is nursing. If you are
pregnant or are
breastfeeding, ask your doctor before taking Neupro.
General Warnings
Let your doctor know about your medical history, any medicines you are currently taking or if you have any of the following:
- any allergies
- breathing disorders such as asthma
- kidney disease
- blood pressure problems
- heart problems such as heart disease, failure or rhythm abnormalities
- mental illnesses or disorders
- any disorder which may cause you to become sleepy
- if you have a history of tremors (shaking)
Parkinson's disease or treatment for this condition may increase the risk of developing
skin cancer. It is unknown which factor causes this susceptibility; however, patients should have
frequent skin examinations while using Neupro.
Do not wear Neupro during an
MRI, this may burn your skin.
Neupro Interactions
Take caution during activities that require your alertness, Neupro may cause fatigue or may even cause you to
suddenly fall asleep.
Avoid alcohol while taking Neupro, this interaction may increase drowsiness. Certain medicines may also have a similar effect. The following could interact with Neupro and cause
extreme sleepiness:
- treatments for allergies or colds
- narcotics (pain relievers)
- muscle relaxers
- medicines for preventing seizures
- anti-depressants or anxiety medicines
Let your doctor know if you are using any nausea or vomiting preventive medicine or any other treatments for Parkinson's disease.
Neupro Treatment and Use
Neupro | Rotigotine is a dopamine agonist transdermal patch marketed by UCB Pharmaceuticals for treating the nervous system disorder Parkinsons’ disease. Some Rotigotine products were taken off the market in the United States in 2008; however, Neupro was approved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in April of 2012. Neupro may be prescribed to improve the following:
- movement capabilities
- muscle function and control
- the ability to balance
Neupro may also be prescribed to treat and reduce the effects of moderate to severe restless legs syndrome (RLS).
Neupro is not a cure for Parkinson’s disease.
How Does Neupro Work?
Dopamine is a chemical that is responsible for maintaining and controlling muscle movement. In Parkinson’s disease, dopamine levels may be decreased because nerve cells are no longer able to produce this substance. Neupro works by releasing and increasing the levels of dopamine-like chemicals in the brain. Neupro reduces shaking, muscle tension, trouble balancing and uncontrolled movements caused by this condition.
How to Use Neupro
Neupro comes in the form of a skin patch. Neupro is normally applied once each day. Be sure to apply the transdermal patch to an area that is dry and clean, and where the patch will not be rubbed off. It is recommended to apply Neupro to the abdomen, thigh, hip, side, upper arm or on the shoulder. The area should be shaved no less than three days before application. Be sure to press the patch firmly on the skin when applying to make sure that the edges stick to the body.
Do not apply the patch to the same part of the skin for at least two weeks. Do not use patches that have been torn or cut.
Patients who are using Neupro should avoid direct sunlight and heat sources such as a sauna, hot tub, hot bath, or heating pads. This may cause an increase in release of chemicals in the patch.
Suddenly ending your use of Neupro after a long period of time may result in withdrawal symptoms. Do not stop using Neupro until your doctor instructs you to do so.
