Azilect and Stalevo 200

In the database of official manuals used in the service creation an interaction registered by statistical results of studies was found, which can either lead to negative consequences for the patient health or strengthen a mutual positive effect. A doctor should be consulted to address the issue of joint drug administration.

The side effects of levodopa may be increased when it is used in combination with rasagiline. You may need a dose adjustment if you have been taking levodopa and are starting treatment with rasagiline. Contact your doctor if you experience hallucinations, confusion, loss of muscle control, or movement difficulties during treatment with these medications. You may also experience low blood pressure, especially during the first two months of treatment with rasagiline or after a dose increase at anytime during treatment. Symptoms may include dizziness, lightheadedness, flushing, fainting, and/or a rapid heart rate. Although these symptoms tend to go away over time, let your doctor know if they become troublesome or interfere with your daily activities, and use caution when getting up from a sitting or lying position. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

MONITOR: Rasagiline may potentiate the dopaminergic side effects of levodopa and exacerbate preexisting dyskinesia. The mechanism is rasagiline inhibition of the breakdown of dopamine via monoamine oxidase. In clinical trials, treatment-emergent dyskinesia occurred in about 18% of patients treated with rasagiline 0.5 or 1 mg/day as adjunct to levodopa, compared to 10% of patients who received levodopa with placebo. The incidence of postural hypotension and hallucinations was also increased with the combination. Postural hypotension was reported in approximately 6% and 9% of patients receiving levodopa in combination with rasagiline 0.5 and 1 mg/day, respectively, compared to 3% of patients receiving rasagiline 1 mg/day or levodopa alone. Similarly, hallucinations were reported in approximately 5% of patients receiving levodopa with rasagiline, compared to 3% of patients receiving levodopa alone and 1.3% of patients receiving rasagiline 1 mg/day alone. In the two controlled trials of rasagiline as adjunct therapy to levodopa, levodopa dosage was reduced in some patients within the first 6 weeks due to treatment-emergent dopaminergic side effects including dyskinesia and hallucinations. In the first study, levodopa dosage reduction occurred in 8% of patients in the placebo group and 16% and 17% of patients in the 0.5 mg/day and 1 mg/day rasagiline groups, respectively. Average dosage reductions in these patients were 7% in the placebo group and 9% and 13% in the 0.5 mg/day and 1 mg/day rasagiline groups, respectively. In the second study, levodopa dosage reduction occurred in 6% of patients in the placebo group and 9% of patients in the rasagiline 1 mg/day group, with average dosage reductions of 13% and 11%, respectively.

MANAGEMENT: Patients receiving rasagiline as an adjunct to levodopa may have increased dyskinesia, postural hypotension, and hallucinations. A reduction of the levodopa dosage may be considered based upon individual response. Patients should be cautioned to avoid rising abruptly from a sitting or recumbent position and to notify their physician if they experience dizziness, lightheadedness, syncope, orthostasis, or tachycardia. Postural hypotension occurs most frequently in the first two months of rasagiline treatment or after a dose increase at any time and tends to decrease over time.

Azilect

Generic Name: rasagiline

Brand name: Azilect

Synonyms: n.a.

What is Azilect?

Stalevo 200

Generic Name: carbidopa / entacapone / levodopa

Brand name: Stalevo 100, Stalevo 125, Stalevo 150, Stalevo 200, Stalevo 50, Stalevo 75, Stalevo

Synonyms: n.a.

What is Stalevo 200?