Rasalect 0.5 Mg Tablet (10 Tab)

RASALECT 0.5 MG TABLET

RASALECT 0.5 MG TABLET is a medication manufactured by SUN PHARMA LABORATORIES LTD. primarily used in the management of Parkinson's disease.

Composition

RASALECT 0.5 MG TABLET contains Rasagiline 0.5 mg as its active ingredient. Rasagiline is a selective monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) inhibitor.

Uses

RASALECT 0.5 MG TABLET is prescribed for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. It can be used alone or in combination with other medications, such as levodopa, to manage the symptoms of the disease. By inhibiting MAO-B, Rasagiline increases the levels of dopamine in the brain, which helps improve motor function and reduce symptoms like tremors, muscle stiffness, slowness of movement (bradykinesia), and difficulty in movement, thereby enhancing the quality of life for patients.

Dosage and Administration

The dosage and frequency of RASALECT 0.5 MG TABLET should be determined by a healthcare professional. It is typically taken orally once daily, with or without food. Tablets should be swallowed whole with a glass of water and not crushed, broken, or chewed. To maintain a consistent level of the medicine in the body, it is advisable to take it at the same time each day. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly without consulting your doctor, as it can lead to confusion, stiff muscles, and a high fever.

Side Effects

Common side effects of RASALECT 0.5 MG TABLET include:

• Flu-like symptoms
• Joint pain (arthralgia)
• Headache
• Nausea
• Abdominal/stomach pain
• Depression
• Indigestion (dyspepsia)
• Peripheral edema (swelling in legs, ankles, and feet)
• Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping)
• High blood pressure
• Dizziness and sleepiness

Serious side effects, though less common, can include:

• Serotonin syndrome (agitation, hallucinations, seizures, fever, restlessness, shaking, sweating)
• Impulsive control disorders (unusual behaviors like addictive gambling, excessive shopping/spending, increased sex drive)
• Hallucinations
• Worsening of high blood pressure
• Orthostatic hypotension (a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up)
• Suspicious skin changes (lumps or moles), as the medicine may increase the risk of skin cancer.

Consult your doctor if any side effects persist or worsen.

Precautions

• Allergies: Do not take RASALECT 0.5 MG TABLET if you are allergic to rasagiline or any of its ingredients.
• Liver Impairment: Use with caution in patients with mild liver impairment and is not recommended for those with severe liver disease.
• Kidney Problems: Caution is advised for patients with a history of kidney problems.
• MAO Inhibitors and Pethidine: RASALECT 0.5 MG TABLET is contraindicated with other monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors and pethidine.
• Tyramine-Rich Foods: Avoid consuming foods rich in tyramine (e.g., aged cheeses, cured meats, red wine, soy sauce, draft beers) as it may lead to a sudden and unsafe increase in blood pressure (hypertensive crisis).
• Alcohol: Avoid alcohol consumption while taking this medication as it may cause excessive drowsiness and increase the risk of side effects like dizziness.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding, as caution is advised.
• Driving and Operating Machinery: This medicine may cause dizziness, sleepiness, or reduce mental alertness, so avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you.
• Children: RASALECT 0.5 MG TABLET is not recommended for use in children and adolescents under 18 years of age.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all current medications and pre-existing medical conditions to avoid potential interactions, especially with medicines for depression, cough (dextromethorphan), cold and flu, or schizophrenia (clozapine).

Storage

Store RASALECT 0.5 MG TABLET in a cool and dry place, below 30°C. Protect from moisture and light.

RASALECT 0.5 MG TABLET contains rasagiline, an active ingredient used to manage Parkinson's disease.

What is Rasalect 0.5 MG Tablet used for?

Rasalect 0.5 MG Tablet is primarily used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. This includes helping to control tremors, muscle stiffness, and difficulties with movement, thereby improving overall motor function and quality of life for patients. It can be used alone or in combination with other Parkinson's medications like levodopa.

How does Rasalect 0.5 MG Tablet work?

Rasalect 0.5 MG Tablet works by increasing the levels of dopamine in the brain. It is a selective, irreversible inhibitor of an enzyme called monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B), which is responsible for breaking down dopamine. By inhibiting MAO-B, rasagiline helps to maintain higher levels of dopamine, a chemical messenger essential for smooth and controlled movements.

What is the usual dosage?

The usual recommended dose of Rasalect 0.5 MG Tablet (rasagiline) is 0.5 mg once daily when used in combination with levodopa. If tolerated and a sufficient clinical response is not achieved, the dose may be increased to 1 mg once daily. When taken as monotherapy, the recommended dose is typically 1 mg once daily. It can be taken with or without food. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dosage and frequency based on your condition and response to the medicine.

What are the possible side effects?

Common side effects of Rasalect 0.5 MG Tablet include headache, flu-like symptoms, joint pain, depression, indigestion, swelling in the hands or feet (peripheral edema), insomnia, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, constipation, and dizziness. Some people may also experience drowsiness or sudden sleep episodes, involuntary movements (dyskinesia), or orthostatic hypotension (a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing). More serious, though less common, side effects can include serotonin syndrome (agitation, hallucinations, rapid heartbeat, muscle stiffness, sweating), or neuroleptic malignant syndrome (high fever, severe muscle stiffness). If any side effects worsen or become persistent, consult your doctor.

Is it safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Caution is advised when taking Rasalect 0.5 MG Tablet during pregnancy. There are no sufficient controlled data on its use in pregnant women, but animal studies have shown potential embryolethality at high doses in combination with levodopa/carbidopa.

For breastfeeding mothers, it is recommended to consult your doctor before using this medicine. Rasagiline may reduce serum prolactin, which could interfere with milk production. It is unknown if rasagiline passes into human breast milk. An alternative drug may be preferred, especially when nursing a newborn or preterm infant.

Can it be taken with other medications?

Rasalect 0.5 MG Tablet can interact with several other medications. It is contraindicated with other monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, including other selective MAO-B inhibitors, and certain pain medications like meperidine, tramadol, methadone, and propoxyphene, due to the risk of serotonin syndrome.

Concomitant use with antidepressants (e.g., SSRIs, tricyclic antidepressants) is generally not recommended due to the risk of serotonin syndrome. Also, avoid taking it with St. John's wort, dextromethorphan (found in some cough medicines), and sympathomimetics (found in some cold and flu remedies).

Inform your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking, as dose adjustments or alternative precautions may be necessary. For example, patients taking ciprofloxacin or other CYP1A2 inhibitors should not exceed a dose of 0.5 mg once daily.

What precautions should be taken?

Avoid consuming foods rich in tyramine (such as aged cheeses, cured meats, red wine, and fermented foods) while taking Rasalect 0.5 MG Tablet, as it can lead to a sudden and dangerous increase in blood pressure (hypertensive crisis).

Alcohol consumption should be avoided or limited, as it can increase drowsiness and the risk of sudden sleep episodes.

Rasalect 0.5 MG Tablet may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or sudden sleep episodes, so exercise caution when driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.

Inform your doctor if you have liver or kidney problems, high blood pressure, or a history of psychotic disorders, as these conditions may require careful monitoring or dose adjustments.

What happens if a dose is missed?

If you miss a dose of Rasalect 0.5 MG Tablet, take it as soon as you remember on the same day. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double your dose to make up for a missed one, as this can increase the risk of side effects.

How should it be stored?

Rasalect 0.5 MG Tablet should be stored in a closed container at room temperature, away from excessive heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets. Properly dispose of any expired or unused medication.