Azilect (rasagiline) works by increasing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain.

Azilect is used to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease (stiffness, tremors, spasms, poor muscle control).

Azilect is sometimes used with another medicine called levodopa.

While you are taking this medicine and for 2 weeks after you stop taking it, you may not be able to eat certain types of cheese. Follow your doctor's instructions. Rasagiline may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Take Azilect exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose.

If you take Azilect alone, your dose may be different than if you take it with other Parkinson's medications. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Azilect may be only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes a special diet. Follow the diet plan created for you by your doctor or nutrition counselor.

Get familiar with the list of foods you should avoid to help prevent certain side effects of rasagiline.

Call your doctor if your Parkinson's symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse while using Azilect.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Do not stop using Azilect suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to safely stop using this medicine.

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries. Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.

Avoid drinking alcohol, especially red wine, vermouth, and tap beers or ale.

Also avoid eating foods that are high in tyramine, such as aged cheeses, fava beans, soy sauce, herring, pickled or processed meats and fish, and meats that are aged, dried, smoked, or fermented. Eating tyramine while you are taking Azilect can raise your blood pressure to dangerous levels which could cause life-threatening side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Azilect: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

Severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears;

Extreme drowsiness or falling asleep suddenly, even after feeling alert;

Unusual changes in mood or behavior;

Hallucinations;

A light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; or

Worsening symptoms of Parkinson's disease (especially uncontrolled muscle movements).

What is this medicine?

Azilect is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). It is used to treat Parkinson's disease.

What if I miss a dose? 

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine? 

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

-Certain medicines for depression

-Cyclobenzaprine

-Dextromethorphan

-Linezolid

-MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Xadago, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

-Meperidine

-Methadone

-Methylene blue

-Propoxyphene

-Stimulant medicines for attention disorders, weight loss, or to stay awake

-Tramadol

-Tryptophan