Neupro

Neupro (rotigotine) contains a type of sulfite that can cause allergic reactions, including serious symptoms like anaphylaxis or asthma attacks, in some people. Talk to your prescriber if you’ve had an allergic reaction before. Remember, a sulfite allergy isn't the same as a sulfa allergy.

Neupro (rotigotine) can make you very sleepy, and you might even fall asleep suddenly during daily activities. These sleep episodes can happen without warning, even if you think you're alert, and have been reported up to a year after starting the medication. Your risk is higher if you're also taking other medications that cause sleepiness, such as benzodiazepines, muscle relaxants, or sleep medications.

Some people taking Neupro (rotigotine) had hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't there), especially those with advanced Parkinson's disease. Others also felt distressed, confused, paranoid or showed aggressive behavior. People with a history of mental health problems are generally not recommended to take Neupro (rotigotine) because it might worsen their condition. These changes can happen after starting the medication or adjusting the dose. Contact your prescriber right away if you or your loved ones notice hallucinations or any changes in behavior while you're taking Neupro (rotigotine).

Neupro (rotigotine) can cause low blood pressure when you move from lying down to standing up (orthostatic hypotension). This might make you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or even faint. These drops in blood pressure are more likely when you're starting a higher dose and can happen when lying down, standing, or changing positions. Let your care team know if you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or faint, especially when standing up. To avoid falls, get up slowly and avoid sudden movements.

Neupro (rotigotine) can cause strong, uncontrollable urges, like gambling, spending money, binge eating, or engaging in sexual activity. Let your prescriber know if you or your loved ones notice new or unusual behaviors when you're taking Neupro (rotigotine). They might recommend lowering your dose or stopping the medication altogether.

Neupro (rotigotine) can raise your blood pressure while lying down or standing, particularly when starting a higher dose. Some people also experienced a faster heart rate with this medication. Let your care team know if you notice symptoms like dizziness, headaches, or a racing heart, especially if you have a history of heart problems.

Neupro (rotigotine) can cause weight gain and fluid build-up (edema), which are more likely at higher doses. This is especially important for people with heart failure or kidney problems. Let your care team know if you notice swelling, sudden weight changes, or discomfort while taking this medication.

Neupro (rotigotine) can cause or worsen uncontrolled body movements, like eye-twitching, lip-smacking, or feet-tapping. The risk is higher if you're also taking other Parkinson's medications with levodopa, such as Sinemet or Rytary. Talk to your prescriber right away if you experience uncontrolled movements that you can't stop.

Neupro (rotigotine) often causes application site reactions, such as redness, swelling, or itching at the patch area. To reduce the chance of a reaction, use a different area of your body each day and avoid applying the patch to the same spot more than once every 2 weeks. Contact your prescriber if a reaction lasts more than a few days, gets worse, or spreads beyond the patch area. If you develop a widespread skin reaction, your prescriber might recommend stopping the medication.

Neupro (rotigotine) can worsen your restless leg syndrome (RLS) symptoms. This could mean your symptoms become more intense or start earlier in the day than before treatment. Symptoms might also worsen as the medication wears off at the end of its dose. Contact your prescriber if you notice any changes or worsening of your symptoms while taking this medication.

Although rare, stopping or lowering your dose of Parkinson's disease medications like Neupro (rotigotine) too quickly can cause side effects similar to neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), a serious and life-threatening condition. Symptoms of NMS include very high fevers, irregular heartbeat, sweating, muscle stiffness, confusion, and changes in blood pressure. It’s important to treat NMS as soon as possible. Don’t stop taking Neupro (rotigotine) or change your dose without talking to your prescriber since they can help you do it safely.