Warnings & Recalls for Requip
Requip and Pregnancy
Requip has been classified as a
pregnancy Category C medicine. Sufficient studies have not been conducted to determine if Requip may cause harm to an unborn baby if taken by a woman who is pregnant. It is unknown if Requip may be transferred into breast-milk or be harmful to a nursing child. This medication may
decrease milk production while breastfeeding. Discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of using Requip if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
General Warnings
Requip
should not be used by anyone who is allergic to ropinirole. Tell your doctor if you smoke, your dosage may need to be changed. Let your doctor know about any
medical conditions you have, such as:
- heart disease
- kidney or liver disease
- hypertension (high blood pressure) or hypotension (low blood pressure)
- a history of mental illnesses
Requip may induce sleepiness. Notify your doctor if Requip has caused you to become tired in the morning or during the daytime and become a problem.
Requip and Skin Cancer
Cases of melanoma (skin cancer) have been reported in patients using treatments for Parkinson's disease such as Requip. It has not been determined if these medications or if Parkinson's disease is the cause of the increased risk of skin cancer.
Requip Interactions
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Requip as it may hinder your ability to participate in activities which require your alertness. Smoking may
reduce the effectiveness of Requip. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications such as:
- levodopa (a treatment for Parkinson's disease)
- antibacterial drugs such as ciprofloxacin
- fluvoxamine (a treatment for obsessive compulsive disorder)
- metoclopramide (a medication for gastroesophageal reflux disease)
- treatments for peptic ulcers including omeprazole
- anti-nausea medications
- estrogen supplements or contraceptives (birth control)
Requip Treatment and Use
Requip | ropinirole is a nonergot dopamine agonist marketed by Bayer Pharmaceuticals for treating Parkinson’s disease and reducing symptoms of restless legs syndrome (RLS). Requip may be effective in treating muscle symptoms such as:
- stiffness or rigidness
- lack of control
- spasms or twitches
- tremors
How Does Requip Work?
Insufficient levels of dopamine in the brain may result in stiffness in muscles and other symptoms caused by Parkinson’s disease and restless legs syndrome. Requip increases levels of dopamine in order to restore proper function of muscles.
Requip Dosage Information
Requip is prescribed as a pill to be taken orally each day. Take only the amount prescribed to you by your doctor.
- Typical doses for Parkinson’s disesase start at .25 mg doses to be taken 3 times daily. Patients should not take more than 24 mg in one 24 hours.
- Treatments for restless legs syndrome (RLS) may be given in .24 mg doses or up to 4 mg doses to be taken 1 to 3 hours before going to bed.
