NEUPRO

Neupro transdermal patch 1mg/24hr Why do I need this medicine? Rotigotine patch is used alone or together with other medicines to treat Parkinson's Disease. It is used to improve the medicinal effect of other Parkinson's Disease medicines such as levodopa.

Rotigotine patch does not cure Parkinson's Disease but it can improve the quality of life for people who have the disease.

How do I take this medicine? Apply Rotigotine patch on your skin exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not apply more or less than instructed by your doctor. Do not use it for a longer period of time than instructed by your doctor.

You may need to use Rotigotine for some time before the full benefits can be felt. Continue using Rotigotine patch even when you feel better. Do not stop using it unless instructed by your doctor. Do not stop using the Rotigotine patch suddenly as this could worsen your condition.

Remove the patch from the protective foil pouch and peel away half of the liner. Do not touch the sticky side with your fingers.

Apply the patch to a clean, dry area. You can choose any area on your stomach, hip, thigh, should, upper arm or flank (side of the body between the ribs and pelvis). Make sure that the area of skin is not oily, cut, blistered or irritated. The skin should also be free of any powder, creams or lotions.

Peel away the other half of the liner. Press firmly on the skin for 20-30 seconds to ensure that the patch stays on the skin.

Apply the patch at around the same time everyday.

Do not put the patch near the waistline or where your belt or clothes may rub against it.

Replace the patch every 24 hours. Change the site of application everyday. For example, if you put the patch on your right hip on the first day, put it on your left hip on the second day, and so on.

Do not apply the Rotigotine patch to the same area of skin more than once in 14 days.

Do not apply creams, lotions, oils or powder on the area of skin where you are applying the patch. Avoid any area of skin that has folds or any area that may rub against your clothing eg under your belt. If the area of skin is hairy, you should shave the area at least 3 days before you apply the patch.

Do not cut the patch. The release pattern of the medicine will be affected if you cut the patch.

If the Rotigotine patch falls off, apply a new patch to a new area of skin and change the patch at the usual time.

If the sides of the patch lifts up, use a plaster or bandage to secure it to your skin.

Throw away the used patch by folding the sticky sides together and putting it in a rubbish bin. Do not throw it into the toilet bowl. What should I do if I have forgotten to take this medicine? Apply the missed patch as soon as you remember and change the patch at the usual time. DO NOT apply an extra patch to make up for the missed dose.

Remember to apply Rotigotine patch regularly. Rotigotine patch must be used regularly for it to be effective.

If you often forget to apply the patch, let your doctor or pharmacist know. Can I take this with other medicines? Alert your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, especially those listed here:

- mood medicines, antidepressants or sleeping pills
- metoclopramide (a medicine used for nausea or vomiting)

Always inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription. How should I store this medicine? Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.

When should I not use this medicine? Alert your doctor if you are pregnant or become pregnant while being treated with Rotigotine patch.

Alert your doctor if you are breastfeeding. Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with Rotigotine. What should I take note of while taking this medicine? Alert your doctor if you have heart, kidney or liver disease.

Inform your doctor that you are using the Rotigotine patch if you are going for any of these procedures. The patch should be removed before you go for any of these procedures:

- magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- cardio conversion or cardioversion (a procedure to normalise the heart rhythm)

Do not expose the application site to direct heat sources such as heat packs, heat lamps, electric blankets, sauna, hot baths or direct sunlight.

Alert your doctor if you are allergic to sulfites. Are there any restrictions on the type of food I can take? Avoid alcohol.

ROTIGOTINE

Rotigotine patch may cause you to suddenly fall asleep, without warning, during your daily activities. You may not feel drowsy before you fall asleep. Alert your doctor quickly if you fall asleep suddenly while doing something such as eating or talking. Do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.

Rotigotine patch may cause dizziness, especially when you get up from a sitting or lying down position. To minimise this problem, stand up slowly.

Rotigotine patch may also cause vomiting, nausea, constipation, headache, tiredness, urinary difficulties or problems controlling your movements. These side effects are common especially when you just begin to use the Rotigotine patch. Let your doctor know if these side effects get worse or if they do not go away.

Rotigotine may cause some mild skin redness or itching at the spot at which the patch was applied. This is normal and is usually not a cause for worry. However, if your skin becomes swollen, blistered or very itchy, remove the patch and alert your doctor quickly.

Other side effects are not common but may be serious. Alert your doctor if you develop palpitations, breathlessness, swelling of the legs, severe rash or compulsive behaviour. Inform your doctor if you experience any other unusual side effects.