Neupro

Generic name: Rotigotine

What is Neupro?

Neupro is a type of medicine called a dopamine agonist. It is a patch (transdermal delivery system) worn on the skin. It is used to treat the signs and symptoms of early-stage Parkinson's disease in adults.

What is the most important information I should know about Neupro?

Neupro is used only on the skin. This medication may make you very sleepy or cause you to fall asleep suddenly, and without warning while doing normal activities such as driving, talking with other people, watching TV, or eating. This can happen any time during treatment with Neupro. Do not perform dangerous activities until you know how Neupro affects you. Tell your doctor if you fall asleep suddenly while doing normal activities or feel sleepier than normal. Also be aware that heat may cause too much medicine from a Neupro patch to pass through your skin. Patients with Parkinson's disease may have an increased chance of getting a skin cancer called melanoma. People with Parkinson's disease should have a doctor check their skin for skin cancer regularly.

Who should not take Neupro?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Neupro contains a sulfite called sodium metabisulfate. Sulfites can cause life threatening allergic reactions in people that are sensitive to sulfites. People with asthma are more likely to be sensitive to sulfites. If you have trouble breathing or swallowing while using Neupro, remove it right away and call your doctor or get emergency care.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Neupro?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before using Neupro. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you are allergic to sulfites, have asthma, have blood pressure problems, have heart problems or are pregnant or breastfeeding or planning on becoming pregnant. Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol because it increased your chance of being sleepy or falling asleep suddenly while doing normal activities. specially tell your doctor if you take other medicines that can make you sleepy such as sleep medicines, antidepressants, or antipsychotics.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Patients should be instructed to wear Neupro continuously for 24 hours. After 24 hours, the patch should be removed and a new one applied immediately. Patients can choose the most convenient time of day or night to apply Neupro but should be advised to apply the patch at approximately the same time each day.

How should I take Neupro?

Use Neupro exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It comes in 4 different size (dose) patches. Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of Neupro. Your doctor will change the dose weekly until you are taking the right amount of medicine to control your symptoms. It may take several weeks before you reach the dose that controls your symptoms best. Do not stop or change your dose of Neupro without first talking with your doctor. Neupro should be applied once daily to clean, dry, and intact skin on the abdomen, thigh, hip, flank, shoulder, or upper arm. If applied to a hairy area, the area should be shaved at least 3 days prior to applying the patch. After applying Neupro, patients or caregivers should wash their hands to remove any drug and should be careful not to touch their eyes or any objects. If the edges of the patch lift, Neupro may be taped down with bandage tape. If the patch detaches, a new one may be applied immediately to a different site. The patient should then change the patch according to their regular schedule. The Neupro transdermal system application site should be rotated on a daily basis (e.g., from the right side to the left side and from the upper body to the lower body). Neupro should not be applied to the same application site more than once every 14 days. To apply the patch, grasp the two sides of the pouch and pull apart. Remove the patch from the pouch. Hold the patch with both hands, with the protective liner on top. Bend the edges of the patch away from you so that the S-shaped cut in the liner opens up. Peel off one half of the protective liner. Do not touch the sticky surface because the medicine could come off on your fingers. Apply the sticky half of the patch to a clean area of skin and remove the remaining liner. Press the patch firmly with the palm of your hand for 20 to 30 seconds to make sure there is good contactwith the skin, especially around the edges. Make sure that the patch is flat against the skin (there should be no bumps or fold in the patch). Be sure to wash your hands with soap and water right after handling the patch to remove any medicine that may have gotten on them.

What should I avoid while taking Neupro?

Neupro should not be applied to areas that could be rubbed by tight clothing or under a waistband. Neupro should not be applied to skin folds. Neupro should not be applied to skin that is red, irritated, or impaired. Creams, lotions, ointments, oils, and powders should not be applied to the skin area where Neupro will be placed. Care should be used to avoid dislodging the patch while showering, bathing or during physical activity. Do not apply a heating pad to the application site area, take a hot bath, use a sauna and expose the application site to direct sunlight.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Neupro?

Neupro's side effects can be more worsened by concomitant use of alcohol, sleep medicines, antidepressants, or antipsychotics.

What are the possible side effects of Neupro?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: Nausea, application site reaction, drowsiness or sleepiness, dizziness, headache, vomiting and trouble sleeping (insomnia).

Serious Side effects may include (contact your doctor if any of the flowing occur): Falling asleep while performing normal activities, low blood pressure, fainting, hallucinations, compulsives behavior (strong urges to gamble, increased sexual desires, and repeating meaningless actions).

Can I receive Neupro if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Neupro can be used in pregnancy because it's a category C medication. The effects of this drug during breastfeeding are unknown.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Neupro?

If you forget to apply a patch at the usual time, remove the used patch you are currently wearing and put on a new patch on a different area of skin. Then apply a new Neupro patch the next day at your regular time.

How should I store Neupro?

Store at room temperature in its sealed pouch until use. Also keep Neupro and all medicines out of reach of children and away from pets.