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AZILECT®Azilect® is a medicine for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. It belongs to a class of treatments called monoamine oxidase Type B (MAOB) inhibitors. Azilect works by slowing the breakdown of dopamine in the brain, keeping it ‘available’ for longer. Azilect can be taken early in Parkinson’s disease on its own (as ‘monotherapy’) to help boost dopamine still being produced by the brain, and/or later in the disease, to boost the effect of levodopa (as ‘adjunct therapy’). |
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Azilect® is currently available in the following countries |
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This section provides a summary of the drug information for Azilect ®. It is still important that you carefully read the full patient information leaflet before you start to take any medication. If you require any further information or have any questions about Azilect®, or other aspects of your PD treatment, you should discuss these with your doctor or other healthcare professional. |
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What does Azilect® contain?The active ingredient in Azilect® is rasagiline mesilate. Other ingredients are mannitol, colloidal anhydrous silica, maize starch, pregelatinised maize starch, stearic acid, talc. |
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How should Azilect® be taken?Like all medicines, Azilect® should be taken as instructed by your doctor. The dose is one tablet taken once a day with or without food. If you forget to take a dose, make sure you take the next one at the usual time. Do not take a double dose to cover the one you missed. |
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Are there any side effects?Yes. Although Azilect® is generally well tolerated, as with all medicines there can be side effects. When people have taken Azilect® on its own (without levodopa), the most commonly reported side effects have been headache, aching joints, indigestion, flu-like symptoms and depression.When taken with levodopa, the most common reports were of uncontrolled movements and accidental falls. These effects may be due to the increase in dopamine caused by Azilect®, so always report such problems to your doctor. They may be able to tailor your other treatments to relieve the problem. |
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Before you take Azilect®Most people can take Azilect®, but you should be sure to tell your doctor if you take antidepressants or the painkiller pethidine, have liver problems, could become pregnant, or if you are allergic to any of the ingredients of Azilect® (see below). |
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When taking Azilect®Most medicines can be taken along with Azilect®, but do tell any doctor or pharmacist that you are taking this treatment, as there are some medicines that need special consideration. You should tell your doctor about all medicines that you are currently taking, even those obtained without prescription such as cough suppressants, nasal and oral decongestants, and natural products such as St John's Wort. |
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Working with your doctor and other health professionalsYour doctors and specialist nurses remain the best source of information about the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. By keeping a close eye on how your condition changes from day to day, and giving them the feedback they need, you can work together to effectively manage your condition. Talking to other people with Parkinson’s disease can also be a good way to pick up information on how to stay well. There are several organisations that support people with Parkinson’s disease (see back cover). The next pages answer the questions people with Parkinson’s disease may ask frequently about Azilect®, but you may find you still have some questions. Make a note of them in the space on page 9, so you can discuss them at your next visit to your health professional. |
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Frequently Asked QuestionsCan I drive while taking Azilect®?Azilect® is not known to cause drowsiness, so you should be able to continue driving, or operate machinery, as normal. However, if you do experience any problems in these areas you are advised to speak to your doctor.
What happens if I accidentally take too many tablets?If you think that you, or anyone else, may have taken too many Azilect® tablets, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately. If follow-up action is required, take the Azilect® carton with you to show the doctor or pharmacist.
What if I forget to take Azilect®?If you miss a dose, take the next one at the usual time. Do not take a double dose to cover the one you missed.
How should I store Azilect®?Azilect® should be stored in its original package and not above 25°C. This is best achieved in a cupboard to avoid the pack getting hot in direct sunlight. Azilect® should not be used after the expiry date on the carton. Always keep Azilect® out of reach and sight of children.
How long should I take Azilect® for?Azilect® should be taken for as long as your doctor believes it is necessary. Your doctor will monitor your progress on Azilect® and assess how long you need to continue. Always report any concerns you may have about your treatment, as this will help your doctor to understand how you are getting on, and how to manage your treatment most effectively. |
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Additional InformationInformation courtesy of Lundbeck and Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd |
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Download
Azilect® patient Brochure