Rotigotine

What is Rotigotine for?

Rotigotine can be used alone or in combination with other medications (for e.g. Levodopa preparations) in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder of the nervous system that affects body movement. This medication helps to improve muscle control and allows more normal body movements.

Rotigotine can be also used in the treatment of restless leg syndrome. Restless leg syndrome causes uncomfortable sensation in the legs and an uncontrollable urge to move them even when resting or when the body is not active, such as sitting or lying down.

How should I take or use Rotigotine?

• Rotigotine is available in patches of different strengths (2mg/24h, 4mg/24h, 6mg/24h, 8mg/24h) which releases the medication over 24 hours
• Rotigotine patch 2mg/24h is used for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease and restless leg syndrome
• Rotigotine patch 4mg/24h, 6mg/24h and 8mg/24h are used for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease
• You may have to use more than one patch to reach your dose as prescribed by your doctor
• Rotigotine patch should not be cut
• The patch can be applied to a clean, dry, hairless area on the shoulder, upper arm, abdomen, thigh or flank
• Apply the patch on a different area of skin each day. Do not apply the patch on the same area of skin more than once within 14 days.
• Remove the patch from pouch immediately before use and press the patch firmly on skin for 30 seconds after removing the adhesive
• Avoid exposing the patch to external heat sources (eg. heating pad, hot baths, prolonged exposure to sunlight)
• Do not stop using Rotigotine patch without checking with your healthcare professional. When you stop this medication, you may experience withdrawal symptoms. If you need to stop this medication, follow the instructions on how to do so as advised by doctor. Seek medical advice immediately if you have any of the following withdrawal symptoms when lowering the dose or stopping this medication: fever, confusion, severe muscle stiffness, not caring about things, anxiety, depression, feeling tired, trouble sleeping, sweating, or pain.

What should I do if I forget to take or use Rotigotine?

• If the Rotigotine patch falls off, apply a new patch for the rest of the day.
• If you have forgotten to change the Rotigotine patch at your usual time, change it as soon as you remember
• If you have forgotten to apply a new Rotigotine patch after removing the old one, apply a new patch as soon as you remember

If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and use a new Rotigotine patch at the usual time on the following day. Do not use two patches to make up for the missed dose.

What precautions should I take when taking or using Rotigotine?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
• You have any liver, lung, heart or mental health conditions
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use Rotigotine?

You should avoid taking alcohol when on Rotigotine.

The following medication may affect the efficacy of Rotigotine. Discuss with your healthcare professional regarding alternative medication:

• Metoclopramide, a medication used for vomiting or digestion
• Amisulpride and Sulpiride used in the treatment of mental health condition

What are some common side effects of Rotigotine?

• Skin reaction under the patch like redness and itch
  • To help avoid skin reactions, apply the patch on a different area of skin each day. Do not apply a patch on the same area of skin more than once within 14 days.
  • Consult a doctor if the skin reaction last longer than a few days or spread outside the area of skin that was covered by the patch

• Drowsiness
  • Avoid activities requiring attention like driving or operating machinery
• Low blood pressure resulting in sudden dizziness when getting up from a lying or sitting position
  • Get up slowly from a lying or sitting position to reduce chances of dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting
  • These effects usually improve with time, discuss with your doctor if the effects persist
• Involuntary movements of the body
  • Discuss with your doctor if these involuntary movements persist

What are some rare but serious side effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

Some rare but serious side effects includes:

• New or worsening behaviour or agitation
• Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there)
• Strong urge that are hard to control (such as eating, gambling, spending money)
• Swelling in arms and legs due to retention of water

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately

How should I store Rotigotine?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.

How do I throw away Rotigotine safely?

Fold the sticky sides of the Rotigotine patch to each other after removal from skin.

Pack the folded patch into a black trash bag and seal the bag tightly before throwing it into the rubbish chute or bin.

What else should I know about Rotigotine?

There are certain restrictions in the supply of Rotigotine. Rotigotine is not available in community/retail pharmacies and is only available in selected healthcare institutions via prescriptions from in-house doctors. Please check with your healthcare provider if they are able to supply it.