Neupro is a dopamine antagonist used for the treatment of symptoms of Parkinson's disease. This drug helps improve muscle control and reduce muscle stiffness to allow more normal movements of the body.
This drug can also be used to treat Restless Legs Syndrome which is a neurologic disorder that affects sensation and movement in the legs resulting in an irresistible feeling of wanting to move your legs to make them comfortable. This drug requires a prescription.
Before using Neupro, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it. Inform your healthcare provider for any allergic reactions to these drugs or any other drugs, foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. Carefully read the label of non-prescription drugs for any possible allergic reaction or contraindications.
Studies in children regarding the relationship of age to the effects of rotigotine transdermal patch have not been performed while safety and efficacy have not been established. Studies in the elderly have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the utility of rotigotine transdermal patch.
Adverse effects have been reported in animal studies but studies in pregnant women or animals are still inadequate. This drug may alter milk production or composition. You should monitor the infant for side effects and adequate milk intake if an alternative to this drug is not prescribed.
Drugs should not be taken together to prevent any interactions but in necessary cases inquire your healthcare provider regarding the adjustments in dosage or any other necessary precautions to prevent any unwanted side effects.
Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription drugs. Intake of specific food or using alcohol or tobacco with this drug is associated with an increased risk of certain side effects. Your healthcare professional can give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco.
Inform your doctor if you have any other medical problems such as asthma, congestive heart failure, dyskinesia, edema, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, hypotension, kidney disease, lung disease, melanoma, mental illness, sleep disorders, or sulfite allergy.
3 Proper Usage
To use Neupro properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor. To prevent any side effects, take this drug exactly as directed on the label or as prescribed by your healthcare professional. The patch must be applied immediately after removing it from the protective pouch. Cutting it into smaller pieces and touching the sticky surface of the patch is not recommended.
The patch must be applied to a clean, dry, intact, and healthy skin area on your stomach, thigh, hip, flank, shoulder, or upper arm.
The area must not be very oily, or must have little or no hair, and is free of scars, cuts, burns, or any other skin irritation.
The area should be shaved at least 3 days before applying the patch if you need to put it on a hairy area. Putting the patch on skin folds, under a waistband, or on areas where it could be rubbed by tight clothing is not recommended.
The patch must be pressed firmly in place with the palm of your hand for about 20 to 30 seconds. The patch should stay in place, even when you are showering, bathing, or swimming. A new patch must be applied if the previous patch falls off.
Remove the patch after 24 hours. A different place on your skin must be chosen to apply the new patch. Avoid putting a new patch in the same place for at least 14 days.
Leaving the patch on for more than 24 hours is not recommended as it will not work as well after that time and it may irritate your skin. Fold the patch in half with the sticky sides together after using it and place the patch in its protective pouch or in aluminum foil.
Dispose it out of the reach of children and pets. Wash the application site with soap and water to remove any drug or adhesive. To remove any excess drug, a baby or mineral oil may be used. Try to change the patch at the same time each day.
Remove the patch you are wearing and put on a new patch if you forget to change the patch at the usual time. After that, apply a fresh patch at the usual time on the next day. Putting the cream, lotion, ointment, oil, or powder on the skin area where the patch will be placed is not recommended. Wash your hands with soap and water before and after applying the patch.
The dose of this drug will be variable for different patients. The directions on the label or the prescription by your healthcare professional should be followed. The dosage of this drug you take depends on the medical problem for which you are using this drug.
Adults with Parkinson's disease are initially given one 2-milligram patch applied every 24 hours for early-stage disease or one 4-mg patch applied every 24 hours for advanced-stage disease. Your healthcare professional will gradually increase your dose if needed and tolerated. The dose must not exceed 6 to 8 mg every 24 hours.
Use and dose in children must be determined by your healthcare professional. Adults with Restless Legs Syndrome are initially given one 1-milligram patch applied every 24 hours. Your healthcare professional will gradually increase your dose if needed and tolerated.
The dose must not exceed 3 mg every 24 hours. Use and dose in children must be determined by your healthcare professional. A missed dose should be taken as soon as possible. However, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule if it is almost time for your next dose.
Store the drug in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing. Keep out of the reach of children. Dispose any outdated or expired drugs and ask your healthcare professional for the proper disposal of the drugs.
4 Precautions to Take
Before using Neupro, there are some precautions you must take. Regular visits should be made to your healthcare provider to track your progress and to monitor the effectiveness of the drug. This drug may cause dizziness, drowsiness, sleepiness, or trouble with thinking.
Make sure you know how you react to this drug before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert, well-coordinated, or able to think well. If these side effects are especially bothersome, check with your healthcare professional.
Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may occur with this drug, especially when you get up from a lying or sitting position suddenly. Check with your healthcare professional if the problem continues or gets worse.
Inform your healthcare professional immediately if you become agitated, irritable, or display other abnormal behaviors, such as:
Check with your health care professional or dentist before taking any of the above while you are using this drug. Your healthcare professional should regularly check your skin for melanoma while you are using this drug.
The patch contains aluminum, which can cause skin burns when used during certain procedures such as magnetic resonance imaging or cardioversion.
Make sure the patch is removed before having these procedures. Exposing the patch to direct sources of heat, such as heating pads, electric blankets, heat lamps, saunas, hot tubs, heated water beds, or direct sunlight is not recommended, since heat may cause too much of the rotigotine to pass through your skin.
Inform your healthcare professional if you develop a skin rash or irritation from the patch that lasts longer than a few days, becomes more severe, or spreads to areas outside the application site. Avoid exposing the area to direct sunlight until it heals as this may cause your skin to change color.
Consult with your healthcare professional before you stop using this drug. Your dose may be slowly tapered before stopping it completely. Consult with your healthcare professional before taking any other prescription or nonprescription drugs, and herbal or vitamin supplements.
As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Neupro. Side effects may vary for each individual and prompt medical attention should be given if they occur.
Seek advice from your healthcare professional immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms such as:
burning
itching
redness
skin rash
swelling, or soreness at the application site
swelling of the hands, ankles, feet, or lower legs
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. As your body adjusts to the drug, the side effects will slowly disappear. Ask your healthcare professional about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
If any of the following side effects persists or are inconvenient, or if you notice any other effects, or if you have any questions about them, consult with your health care professional. Report any side effects to the FDA hotline at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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