Relgin Tablet (Rasagiline)

What is Rasagiline Tablet?

Rasagiline is a monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) inhibitor that prevents the breakdown of certain crucial substances in the brain (neurotransmitters – dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin) that are important for several processes in the body. Rasagiline is used mainly as a standalone medication or in combination with other medications to treat movement disorders caused by Parkinson’s disease. Rasagiline may also be prescribed for conditions not mentioned over here. It is a Parkinson's disease medication. Rasagiline is sold under various trade names, a couple of which are Azilect and Relgin (made by Intas Pharma).

Neurological disorder treatments encompass a wide range of approaches, including medication, therapy, and lifestyle modifications. Rasagiline is a medication commonly prescribed for certain neurological conditions, such as Parkinson's disease. It belongs to a class of drugs known as monoamine oxidase type B (MAO-B) inhibitors, which help manage the symptoms of these disorders.

If a Rasagiline alternative is being sought, there are other MAO-B inhibitors available that can be considered. Some commonly used alternatives include selegiline and safinamide. These medications work by increasing dopamine levels in the brain, helping to alleviate the motor symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease.

However, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to medication regimens or exploring alternatives. They will assess individual circumstances, consider potential drug interactions, and determine the most suitable treatment plan based on the specific neurological disorder and its progression.

How it works

Rasagiline belongs to a class of medicines called monoamine oxidase B inhibitors. It works by increasing certain chemical substances in the brain (Dopamine agonist) which is responsible for the movement-related functions of the body.

Relgin Tablet (Rasagiline) Uses

Rasagiline is used along with or without levodopa to treat Parkinson's disease (a nervous system disorder characterized by slow movements).

Precautions of Relgin Tablet (Rasagiline)

Do not take Rasagiline anti-Parkinson’s disease medication (Azilect, Relgin) if you are allergic to it. Certain medications can interact with Rasagiline and must not be taken with it. Inform your doctor in advance if you are already taking some medications, especially narcotic painkillers, muscle relaxers, OTC cough medicines, and St. John’t Wort. Do not take Rasagiline if you have taken another MAO inhibitor like furazolidone, isocarboxazid, phenelzine, selegiline, or tranylcypromine in the last 14 days. Taking any of these medications together with Rasagiline can cause life-threatening side effects.

Inform your doctor in advance if you have liver disease before he or she prescribes you Rasagiline. There are restrictions on eating certain types of cheese while you are taking this medication and for 2 weeks after you stop taking it. You may not be able to eat certain types of cheese. Always follow your doctor’s advice. Your thinking capability and reflexes may be impacted after taking Rasagiline (Azilect, Relgin). Take care while doing an activity that requires greater mental alertness and reflexes like driving.

Some people taking medicines for Parkinson’s disease have been reported to have developed melanoma (skin cancer). Talk to your doctor about this and ask him or her about your individual risks. Rasagiline is an FDA pregnancy category C drug. It is not known if this medication can harm an unborn baby if it is used while pregnant. It is also not known if it can pass into breast milk and harm a nursing baby. Notify your doctor in advance if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding a baby.

Before taking Rasagiline

Before taking Rasagiline, take care of all precautions mentioned above. Discuss them with your doctor and clear all doubts that you may have about this drug.

How should I take Rasagiline?

Take Rasagiline anti-Parkinson’s disease medication (Azilect, Relgin) strictly according to your doctor’s direction or according to the instructions on the medication label. Do not alter the dosage unless your doctor advises you to do so. Also, do not take this medication after the prescribed period is over. All medications come with a patient leaflet. Refer to the instructions in them for detailed information on that particular medication.
Rasagiline is usually taken once daily or as directed by your doctor. If you also take another medication for Parkinson’s disease called levodopa, Rasagiline is only a part of a complete line of treatment for Parkinson’s disease that includes diet restrictions and other medications. Remember to always follow the advice of your doctor in all circumstances. Always store Rasagiline in a cool and dry place.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of Rasagiline, take it as soon as you remember. Don’t take the missed dose if the time to take the next dose is almost up. Taking multiple doses near to each other can lead to excess medication in your body which can be harmful.

What if I overdose?

In case of an overdose of Rasagiline, get emergency medical attention or call the Doctor immediately. Overdose may lead to symptoms such as severe headache, irritability, blurred vision, drowsiness, irregular heartbeat, sweating, cold or clammy skin, shortness of breath, fainting, or a seizure attack.

Things and Activities to Avoid while Taking Rasagiline

Rasagiline may impact your thinking capabilities and reflexes. So take extra care while indulging in activities that require a high degree of mental awareness and thinking such as driving. You may also have some restrictions on eating certain types of cheese while taking this medication. Ask your doctor about it.

Side Effects of Relgin Tablet (Rasagiline)

• Some of the common side effects of Rasagiline are dizziness, joint pain, nausea, fever, heartburn, muscle pain, dry mouth, stomach, or abdominal pain. If any of these effects persist or become serious, get immediate medical help. Taking levodopa while taking Rasagiline may increase the side effects of levodopa. Let your doctor know right away if you experience any of these side effects: nausea, shakiness, muscle stiffness, or mood or behavior changes.
• Rasagiline on rare occasions has been reported to cause extremely high blood pressure called hypertensive crisis which can be fatal. Several drug and food interactions can increase the likelihood of this condition. Get medical attention at once if you experience any of these conditions: frequent or severe headache; fast, slow, irregular, or pounding heartbeat, chest pain, neck stiffness or soreness, severe nausea or vomiting; sweating or clammy skin with fever on some occasions; dilated pupils; or vision changes (double or blurred vision or sudden sensitivity to light).
• The side effects mentioned above are not the only ones that you may experience or witness due to Rasagiline. If you get any serious side effects due to Rasagiline, contact your doctor right away.

Rasagiline Dosing Information

Rasagiline dosage may depend on a range of factors like age, sex, drug allergies, or seriousness of the condition among several other factors. Your dosage will be determined by your doctor after examining you properly. Remember to follow your doctor’s advice properly for best results.

Relgin Tablet (Rasagiline) Interaction with other drugs

Taking levodopa while taking Rasagiline may increase the side effects of levodopa. Some other drugs which can also interact with Rasagiline are antibiotic ciprofloxacin, OTC cold or allergy drugs, and antidepressants (amitriptyline, doxepin, paroxetine, citalopram, and others). However, these are not all the drugs that can potentially interact with Rasagiline. There can be others. You must inform your doctor about all the medications which you may be taking. Never start a new medication without proper medical advice.

Expert advice

• You will be regularly monitored for the development of impulse control disorders (psychiatric disorders with failure to resist a temptation, urge to harm oneself or others).
• Be aware of the behavioral symptoms of impulse control disorders like compulsions, obsessive thoughts, repetitive behavior shown as the inability to resist impulses to gamble (pathological gambling), increased sexual desire (libido), hypersexuality, impulsive behavior, and compulsive spending or buying.
• The use of rasagiline is associated with a higher risk of skin cancer. Seek advice for necessary precautions.
• Do not take rasagiline along with drugs like fluoxetine or fluvoxamine, dextromethorphan, or sympathomimetics such as ephedrine or pseudoephedrine.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Frequently asked questions

Relgin Tablet (Rasagiline)

Q. Is rasagiline safe during pregnancy?

Rasagiline should only be used if the potential benefits justify the potential risk to the baby. Please follow your doctor's advice regarding its use.

Q. Is it safe to use rasagiline during breastfeeding?

Rasagiline should be given only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the infant. Please follow your doctor's advice regarding its use.

Q. Is rasagiline generic?

Yes, rasagiline is a generic drug and also is available in different brands.

Q. What is rasagiline used for/ what is rasagiline mesylate?

Rasagiline/rasagiline mesylate is used along with or without levodopa to treat Parkinson's disease (a nervous system disorder characterized by slow movements).