Azilect

How does it work?

Azilect tablets contain the active ingredient rasagiline mesilate, which is a type of medicine called a selective monoamine-oxidase-B inhibitor (MAOI-B). Rasagiline increases the levels of a substance in the brain called dopamine, and is used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

Dopamine is a substance known as a neurotransmitter. Neurotransmitters are present in the brain and nervous system and are involved in transmitting messages between nerves. These messages allow the normal functioning of the body. The neurotransmitter dopamine is known to be reduced or absent in the brains of people with Parkinson's disease, and this is thought to be the cause of the disease symptoms. The mainstay of treating Parkinson's disease is to replace dopamine in the brain.

Natural dopamine released from nerve cells in the brain is normally broken down by an enzyme called monoamine-oxidase-B. Rasagiline works by blocking the action of this enzyme, which prevents the monoamine-oxidase-B from breaking down the dopamine. This results in an increased amount of active dopamine in the brain, and this reduces the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

Rasagiline can be used on its own, or in combination with a medicine called levodopa to treat Parkinson's disease. Levodopa is converted into dopamine in the brain and therefore works by directly replacing the lost dopamine. Unfortunately, levodopa treatment tends to become less effective over time and patients tend to experience 'end-of-dose' deterioration, where the duration of benefit after each dose of levodopa becomes progressively shorter. Rasagiline can be used to prolong the effect of levodopa, because it stops the dopamine that is formed from the levodopa from being broken down in the brain. This extends the action of levodopa thereby reducing the 'end-of-dose' side effects.

What is it used for?

Parkinson's disease

Warning!

Smoking may decrease the blood level of this medicine and could make it less effective.

Skin cancer was reported in around one per cent of patients taking this medicine in clinical trials. However, the manufacturer states that the data they collected suggests that Parkinson’s disease, and not any drug in particular, is associated with a higher risk of skin cancer (not exclusively melanoma). You should consult your doctor if you experience any suspicious skin changes.

This medicine is not recommended for children and adolescents under 18 years of age, as its safety and efficacy have not been studied in this age group.

Use with caution in

Decreased liver function

Not to be used in

Severely decreased liver function

People taking other monoamine oxidase inhibitors or the painkiller pethidine

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine has not been studied in pregnant women. It should be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than any potential risk to the developing foetus. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

It is not known if this medicine passes into breast milk. There is a possibility that it may decrease the production of breast milk. It should be used with caution in women who are breastfeeding and only if the expected benefits outweigh any potential risks. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Headache

Difficulty performing voluntary movements, resulting in jerky or involuntary movements or muscle twitches (dyskinesia)

Pain in the joints

Indigestion

Flu-like symptoms

Depression

Drop in blood pressure when moving from a lying or sitting position to sitting or standing, which results in dizziness and lightheadedness (postural hypotension)

Constipation

Vomiting

Abdominal pain

Dry mouth

Fever

Inflammation of the nasal lining (rhinitis) causing stuffy or runny nose

Conjunctivitis

General feeling of being unwell (malaise)

Neck pain

Sensation of dizziness (vertigo)

Arthritis

Loss of appetite and weight loss

Chest pain (angina)

Decrease in the number of white blood cells in the blood (leucopenia)

Contact dermatitis

Rash

Urinary urgency

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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