Ropinirole

Ropinirole

What is Ropinirole?

Ropinirole is used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease (stiffness, tremors, muscle spasms, and poor muscle control). Ropinirole is also used to treat restless legs syndrome (RLS).

Only immediate-release ropinirole (Requip) is approved to treat Parkinson's symptoms or RLS. Extended-release ropinirole (Requip XL) is only approved to treat Parkinson's symptoms.

Parkinson's and RLS are two separate diseases. Having one of these conditions does not mean that you have the other condition.

Ropinirole may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Ropinirole side effects

If necessary, get emergency medical helpSigns of an allergic reaction:hives; difficulty breathing; Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Some people taking ropinirole have fallen asleep during normal daytime activities such as working, talking, eating, or driving. Tell your doctor if you have problems with daytime sleepiness or sleepiness.

You may experience increased sexual desire, unusual urges to play, or other strong urges while taking ropinirole. In this case, talk to your doctor.

Ropinirole can cause serious side effects. Call your doctor immediately if you have:

• extreme sleepiness, falling asleep suddenly (even after feeling alert);

• worsening or no improvement in your symptoms;

• a light-headed feeling, as if you were going to faint;

• unusual changes in mood or behavior;

• trembling, twitching uncontrollable muscle movements; or

• Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not real).

Side effects such as confusion or hallucinations may be more likely in older adults.

Common side effects of ropinirole may include:

• drowsiness, dizziness, weakness;

• headaches, confusion, hallucinations;

• increased blood pressure (severe headache, throbbing in the neck or ears, nosebleeds, irregular heartbeat);

• nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, constipation;

• flu symptoms (fever, chills, body aches);

• sudden muscle movements;

• increased sweating; or

• Swelling in your legs or feet.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Follow all instructions on the label and packaging of your medicine. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies and any medications you take.

Before you take this medicine

You should not use ropinirole if you are allergic to it.

To make sure ropinirole is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• high or low blood pressure;

• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);

• heart disease, cardiac arrhythmia;

• a sleep disorder such as narcolepsy or other conditions that can cause daytime sleepiness; or

• if you smoke.

People with Parkinson's disease may be at higher risk of skin cancer (melanoma). Talk to your doctor about this risk and what skin symptoms you should look out for.

It is not known whether ropinirole will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

It is not known whether ropinirole passes into breast milk or whether it could affect the breast-fed baby. Ropinirole may slow the production of breast milk. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.

Ropinirole is not approved for use in people under 18 years of age.

How should I take ropinirole?

Follow all instructions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

If you are taking immediate-release ropinirole(Equip)You should not take extended-release ropinirole(equip XL)at the same time.

The dose and timing of ropinirole in the treatment of Parkinson's disease are different from the dose and timing in the treatment of RLS. Follow the instructions on your prescription label. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions about the type of ropinirole you get at the pharmacy.

Ropinirole can be taken without regard to meals. Take the medicine at the same time every day.

Do not crush, chew or breakExtended-release tablet (Requip XL). Swallow it whole.

Call your doctor if you see any part of the ropinirole tablet in your stool. This is a sign that your body may not have absorbed all of the medicine.

If you are taking this medicine for RLS, tell your doctor if your symptoms worsen, if they occur in the morning or earlier than usual in the evening, or if you experience restlessness symptoms in your hands or arms.

It may take up to several weeks for your symptoms to improve. Continue taking the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.

Do not stop using ropinirole suddenly, otherwise you may experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Follow your doctor's instructions for reducing the dose.

Store at room temperature, protected from moisture, heat and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help hotline at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking ropinirole?

Avoid getting up too quickly from sitting or lying down as this could cause you to feel dizzy. Stand up slowly and stabilize yourself to prevent a fall. Dizziness can affect your thinking or reactions. Avoid driving or using machines until you know how ropinirole affects you.

Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of ropinirole.

What other drugs will affect ropinirole?

Taking ropinirole with other medicines that make you sleepy may worsen this effect. Consult your doctor before taking sleeping pills, narcotics, muscle relaxants, or medications for anxiety, depression, or seizures.

Other medications may interact with ropinirole, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medications you are taking now and any medications you are starting or stopping taking.

More information

Remember to keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medicine only for the prescribed indication.