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RotigotinePrecautionsBefore using rotigotine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as sulfites), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: asthma, sleep disorders (such as sleep apnea, narcolepsy), low/high blood pressure, heart disease (such as heart failure), kidney disease, mental/mood disorders (such as schizophrenia). This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). See also Side Effects section. While wearing your patch, avoid exposing it to direct heat (such as heating pads, electric blankets, heat lamps, saunas, hot tubs, heated waterbeds, or prolonged direct sunlight). Heat may cause more drug to be released into your body, increasing the risk of side effects. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). If you are going to have an MRI test or cardioversion, tell the health care provider that you are using this patch. Some patches may contain metals that can cause serious burns during an MRI or cardioversion. Ask your doctor whether you will need to remove your patch before the procedure and apply a new patch afterward, and how to do so properly. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially mental/mood changes (such as hallucinations) During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. This drug may reduce the amount of breast milk you make. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding. Side EffectsNausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dizziness, drowsiness, lightheadedness, tiredness, trouble sleeping, increased sweating, headache, or redness/itching/swelling at the application site may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: mental/mood changes (such as confusion, agitation, hallucinations), severe dizziness, fainting, unusual strong urges (such as increased gambling, increased sexual urges), swelling ankles/feet, unusual weight gain, fast heartbeat, new or worsening uncontrolled movements. Some people using rotigotine have fallen asleep suddenly during their usual daily activities (such as talking on the phone, driving). In some cases, sleep occurred without any feelings of drowsiness beforehand. This sleep effect may occur anytime during treatment with rotigotine even if you have used this medication for a long time. If you experience increased sleepiness or fall asleep during the day, do not drive or take part in other possibly dangerous activities until you have discussed this effect with your doctor. Your risk of this sleep effect is increased by using alcohol or other medications that can make you drowsy. See also Precautions section. This medication may increase or decrease your blood pressure. You may develop a sudden drop in blood pressure that can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, sweating, and fainting. This is more likely when you first start the medication, when your dose is increased, or when you get up suddenly. To reduce your risk, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position. Talk to your doctor if you need to check your blood pressure while using this medication. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345. |