Prescription Required
Description
Xadago is an oral pill consisting of a monoamine oxidase inhibitor called safinamide. We carry the brand choice of this medication in 50mg and 100mg.
Xadago is prescribed with levadopa and carbidopa to treat muscle stiffness, loss of muscle control, and other symptoms of “wearing-off” episodes in those with Parkinson’s disease. Wearing off occurs when the effects of levodopa “wear off” before your next scheduled dose, allowing symptoms of the disease (Parkinson’s) to return and sometimes worse than before, until your next dose. This usually only occurs in those who have been taking Levodopa for years, usually around the second or third year.
Xadago (safinamide) is effective at treating “wearing-off” episodes because this medicine works by allowing dopamine, a natural chemical found inside the body, to work for longer periods of time. Doing this allows a longer time before the “wearing-off” occurs, if at all.
Directions
Follow only the directions given to you by your doctor. Do not take more or less of a dose than directed. For the full benefit of the medication, ensure you take it regularly and create a routine by taking it around the same time every day.
This medication must be taken in together with levodopa and carbidopa; do not take this medication by itself. Take Xadago with or without food at the same time each day. You will need regular blood pressure tests during treatment. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Recommended dose; 1 tablet per day
Cautions
Do not use Xadago (safinamide)
Do not use Xadago if you are allergic to safinamide or if you have severe liver disease.
If you have used any of the following drugs in the past 14 days, you should not use this medication due to possibly fatal effects; amphetamines, cough medicine, cyclobenzaprine, methylphenidate, St.John’s wort, other MOA inhibitors, certain antidepressants such as amitriptyline, desipramine, and venlafaxine, or opioid medicines such as meperidine, methadone, and tramadol.
Dose adjustment or special precautions may be required
To ensure this medication is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had liver disease, high or low blood pressure, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, psychosis, unusual urges or impulses, abnormal muscle movements, probelsm with retina of your eye, or narcolepsy or other sleep disorders in which you take medications for.
Risks
It is not known if this medication will harm an unborn baby. Speak to your doctor before using this medication if you are pregnant.
It has not been established if this medication will pass into breast milk or if it will harm a nursing infant. Speak to your doctor before using this medication if you are nursing an infant.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Xadago (safinamide) may include:
involuntary muscle movements; falls; nausea; or sleep problems (insomnia).
The above side effects should not alarm you.
Serious side effects of Xadago (safinamide) may include:
vision changes; twitching or uncontrolled muscle movements; confusion, agitation, unusual thoughts or behavior; hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not real); a seizure; fever, sweating, fast heart rate, overactive reflexes; or nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
If you have any of the above side effects, contact your doctor right away.
Please note this is not a complete list of side effects. Not everyone experiences side effects; they are not guaranteed. If you do have side effects and they become unmanageable, consult your doctor about alternate medications.
Contact your doctor if you notice signs of…
increased blood pressure - severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears, anxiety, nosebleed.
FAQs
What is the average dose for an adult with Parkinson’s disease?
The average dose for an adult with Parkinson’s disease is 50mg once a day; the dose may be increased to 100mg per day after 2 weeks of initial treatment. Do not exceed more than 100mg per day.
Will higher doses help treat my condition quicker?
No. Higher doses will not help improve your condition any quicker and can increase the risk of unpleasant side effects or adverse interactions.
What should I avoid while using this medication?
While using this medication, you should avoid eating tyramine while taking safinamide because it can raise your blood pressure to dangerous levels which can lead to life-threatening side effects. Ask your doctor about which foods you should avoid while being treated with Xadago.
What else should I know about Xadago?
Some patients who have taken this medication have reported falling asleep during every day activities such as work; you should be aware how this drug affects you before doing activities such as driving.
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