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Compare Neupro vs. Azilect

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Neupro (rotigotine) and Azilect (rasagiline) are both used to treat Parkinson's disease (PD), but they have some key differences. Neupro (rotigotine) is a dopamine agonist that comes as a patch you apply to your skin once a day. It can also treat moderate-to-severe restless legs syndrome (RLS). On the other hand, Azilect is a monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) inhibitor taken orally once a day and is available in a lower-cost generic form. While both medications can make you very sleepy, Neupro can cause skin irritation where the patch is applied, and Azilect requires you to avoid foods high in tyramine, like aged cheeses and cured meats, to prevent dangerous spikes in blood pressure. Additionally, Azilect can interact with depression medications, leading to a life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome, whereas Neupro does not have this specific interaction.

  • neupro (rotigotine)
    Rasagiline (Azilect)
  • neupro (rotigotine)
    Rasagiline (Azilect)

  • Summary of Neupro vs. Azilect

    Summary for Dopamine agonist
    Prescription only

    Neupro (rotigotine) is a dopamine agonist used to treat adults with Parkinson's disease (PD) and restless legs syndrome (RLS). It helps manage symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, and uncontrollable leg movements. The medication comes as a patch that you apply to your skin once a day. Neupro (rotigotine) is only available as a brand-name medication, with no generic version. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and sleepiness.

    Summary for MAO-B inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Rasagiline (Azilect) is one of the first-choice options to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD), such as shakiness, stiff muscles, and slowed movement. Rasagiline (Azilect) is taken once a day and is available in a lower-cost generic form, but it can make you very sleepy.

  • Indications of Neupro vs. Azilect

    Indications for
    •Parkinson's disease (PD)
    •Moderate-to-severe restless legs syndrome (RLS)
    Indications for
    •Parkinson's disease (PD)

  • Pros and Cons of Neupro vs. Azilect

    Pros and Const for Dopamine agonist
    Pros
    •Approved to treat both PD and RLS
    •Patch is applied to the skin once a day
    •Good option for people who don't want to take pills
    Cons
    •Can't stop suddenly; must wean off the medication
    •Not suitable for people with sulfite allergies
    •Can cause serious side effects, like impulsive behavior and hallucinations
    Pros and Const for MAO-B inhibitor
    Pros
    •One of the first-choice options for PD, especially for movement problems
    •Can be used to treat early PD
    •Taken once a day
    •Available in a lower-cost, generic version
    Cons
    •Can cause a life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome if taken with certain medications
    •Cannot eat foods with very large amounts of tyramine while taking rasagiline (Azilect), because it can raise your blood pressure
    •Not recommended if you have moderate-to-severe liver disease, because the medication can reach very high levels in your body and put you at higher risk for side effects

  • Common Side Effects of Neupro vs. Azilect

    Common Side Effects for

    Parkinson's disease

    •Nausea (28-48%)
    •Application site reaction (19-46%)
    •Sleepiness (12-32%)
    •Dizziness (14-23%)
    •Vomiting (8-20%)
    •Tiredness (6-18%)
    •Uncontrolled muscle movements (14-17%)
    •Trouble sleeping (6-14%)
    •Swelling in the arms and legs (2-14%)
    •Hallucinations (0-13%)
    •Joint pain (8-11%)
    •Excessive sweating (1-11%)
    •Headache (8-10%)

    Restless leg syndrome

    •Application site reactions (23–43%)
    •Nausea (15–23%)
    •Headache (15–21%)
    •Fatigue and weakness (7-14%)
    •Sleepiness (5-10%)
    •Trouble sleeping (3-10%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (14%)
    •Joint pain (7%)
    •Stomach upset (7%)
    •Depression (5%)
    •Flu symptoms (5%)
    •Falls (5%)

    Note: Percentages are based on taking the medication alone

  • Warnings of Neupro vs. Azilect

    Common Side Effects for
    •Serious allergic reactions
    •Extreme sleepiness
    •Hallucinations and mental health changes
    •Low blood pressure and fainting
    •Impulsive behavior
    •High blood pressure and heart rate
    •Weight gain and swelling
    •Uncontrolled muscle movements
    •Skin reactions
    •Worsening symptoms of RLS
    •High fevers and confusion
    •Withdrawal symptoms
    Common Side Effects for
    •High blood pressure
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Sleepiness or falling asleep during activities
    •Low blood pressure
    •Hallucinations and changes in behavior and thoughts
    •Difficulty controlling impulsive behavior
    •High fevers and confusion

  • Prices with our coupons for Neupro vs. Azilect

    Learn more about neupro
    Learn more about Rasagiline

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