Ropinirole is used on its own or together with other medicines to treat Parkinson's disease, a disorder that affects the movement of a person, causing symptoms such as tremors, muscle stiffness, slowed movement and impaired balance or walking.
This medicine is also used to treat restless legs syndrome, a nerve disorder that causes an uncontrollable urge to move one’s legs due to an uncomfortable sensation in the limbs.
Take Ropinirole exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Ropinirole is available as an immediate-release tablet or a prolonged-release tablet.
If you are taking the prolonged-release or extended-release type of tablet (may be labelled as “XL” or “PD”), swallow it whole. Do not divide, chew or crush the tablet.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your condition.
Ropinirole must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking Ropinirole even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed otherwise, as stopping it suddenly could worsen your condition.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
If you missed your dose for more than a few days, ask your doctor on how to start taking it again.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor or pharmacist know.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- pre-existing dyskinesia (uncontrollable involuntary movements such as twitching and jerking)
- heart disease
- diseases or conditions affecting the blood vessels and blood supply to the brain
- severe kidney disease
- liver disease
- mental health problem
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Inform your doctor if you have started or stopped smoking during treatment with Ropinirole.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Your blood pressure may rise or fall to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure during treatment.
- Regular monitoring of behavioural changes and skin reactions may also be needed.
Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
Ropinirole may cause you to suddenly fall asleep during your daily activities such as eating and watching television. Do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, headache, and dizziness.
This medicine may cause your blood pressure to fall suddenly when you get up from a sitting or lying down position and you may feel giddy. To minimise this problem, stand up slowly.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- uncontrollable urges, excessive eating, abnormally high sex drive
- passing out, slow heartbeat
- mood or behavioural changes
- seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not existent
- uncontrollable movements such as twitching or jerking
- worsening symptoms of restless legs syndrome (may start earlier than usual or may be more intense, or affect other limbs which were not previously affected)
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines to treat depression e.g. fluvoxamine
- medicines for mood disorder e.g. sulpiride
- metoclopramide (medicine for nausea or vomiting)
- certain antibiotics e.g. ciprofloxacin, enoxacin
- products that contain the hormone estrogen such as birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Ropinirole.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicine, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol. Alcohol intake may worsen the drowsiness caused by Ropinirole.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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