Neupro (Rotigotine Transdermal System) for Parkinson's Disease

Overview
Neupro is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2007 to treat motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Neupro is also referred to by its drug name, rotigotine.

Neupro is not suitable for use in people with a major psychotic disorder or those who have previously shown hypersensitivity to rotigotine, sulfites, or components of transdermal (patch) delivery systems. Neupro must be used with caution in people with high or low blood pressure, asthma, schizophrenia, sleep disorders, heart problems, or a history of alcohol addiction. Neupro may not be appropriate for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Neupro is a member of a class of drugs called dopamine agonists. Neupro is believed to work by imitating the action of dopamine in the brain.

Some medications are available both as generic and branded products. Although generic and branded formulations of a drug contain the same active ingredients at the same concentrations, your body may react differently to different formulations. Check with your doctor before switching between drug brands or between generic and branded drugs.

How do I take it?
Neupro is administered via a transdermal patch placed on the upper arm, shoulder, hip, thigh, stomach, or side. Apply one patch at the same time each day according to your doctor’s instructions. Place the patch only on clean, healthy skin — never on skin that is irritated, broken, inflamed, or oily. Do not apply lotion, powder, or other products to the area where you will apply the patch. If you want to place the patch on an area of skin that is hairy, shave the area three days before you place the patch there. Do not apply the patch in areas where skin folds or is rubbed by waistbands or constrictive clothing. Wash your hands after applying a Neupro patch.

If the Neupro patch begins to come off around the edges, use a bandage to secure it to your skin. If you experience skin irritation where a Neupro patch is applied, be sure to keep the irritated skin out of the sun until it heals.

Avoid situations that will increase heat around the Neupro patch. For instance, do not use a heating pad, electric blanket, or heated waterbed; do not enter a sauna or hot tub; and do not take a hot bath or allow direct sunlight to fall on the patch.

The Neupro patch contains aluminum, which can burn your skin during certain medical procedures. If your doctor orders a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan or cardioversion, make sure to remove your Neupro patch beforehand.

Do not drink alcohol while you are taking Neupro. Alcohol can increase the intensity of some side effects.

Avoid driving or operating machinery while using Neupro.

Do not stop using Neupro suddenly. If you decide to stop using Neupro, form a plan with your doctor for gradually tapering off your dosage to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions exactly when taking Neupro.

Side effects
Common side effects of Neupro include nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, application site reactions, dizziness, reduced appetite, increased sweating, insomnia, swelling, and abnormal movements. Tell your doctor if these side effects become worse.

Inform your doctor immediately if you experience a fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat; rigid muscles; muscle cramps; fever; chest pain; agitation; hallucinations; impulsive or psychotic behavior; slurred speech; or seizures while taking Neupro.

Many drugs can cause allergic reactions and, in the most serious cases, can result in death. Seek immediate medical help if you experience signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling in the face, throat, eyes, lips, or tongue.

For more information about this treatment, visit:

Neupro — UCB
www.neupro.com