Rotigotine patch is used on its own or together with other medicines to treat Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease is a disorder that affects movement of a person, causing symptoms such as tremors, muscle stiffness, slowed movement and impaired balance or walking.
Rotigotine patch does not cure Parkinson's disease but it can improve the quality of life for people who have the disease.
Rotigotine patch may also be used to treat Restless Legs Syndrome.
Apply Rotigotine patch on your skin exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. 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.
Instructions for application:
1. Remove the patch from the protective foil pouch and peel away half of the liner. Do not touch the sticky side with your fingers.
2. Apply the patch to a clean, dry area. You can choose any area on your stomach, hip, thigh, shoulder, 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 be free of any powder, creams or lotions. If the area of skin is hairy, you should shave the area at least 3 days before you apply the patch. Do not put the patch near the waistline or where your belt or clothes may rub against it.
3. 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.
4. Apply the patch at around the same time every day.
5. Replace the patch every 24 hours. Change the site of application every day to avoid skin irritation. 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.
6. 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.
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.
Rotigotine must be used regularly for it to be effective. Continue using Rotigotine patch even when you feel better. Do not stop using it unless instructed otherwise, as stopping it suddenly could worsen your condition.
Apply the missed patch as soon as you remember for the rest of the day and change the patch at the usual time.
DO NOT apply an extra patch to make up for the missed dose.
If you often forget to apply the patch, let your doctor or pharmacist know.
Inform your doctor that you are using Rotigotine patch if you are going for any of these procedures:
- magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- cardio conversion or cardioversion (a procedure to normalise the heart rhythm)
Rotigotine patch should be removed before you go for the procedure.
Inform your doctor if you have:
- heart disease
- liver disease
- dyskinesia (a disorder that causes uncontrollable movement such as jerking or twitching)
- an allergy to sulfite
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Do not expose the application site to direct heat sources such as heat packs, heat lamps, electric blankets, sauna, hot baths or direct sunlight.
You may need to have your eyes checked regularly while you are undergoing treatment with Rotigotine patch. Your doctor will advise you if this is necessary and how often it should be done.
Rotigotine patch may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Rotigotine patch may also cause you to suddenly fall asleep during your daily activities such as eating and watching television. You may not feel drowsy before you fall asleep. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Rotigotine patch 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.
Other side effects include any of the following: vomiting, nausea, indigestion, dry mouth,constipation, headache, fast heartbeat, tiredness, sleeping difficulties and swelling of the legs and feet. These side effects are common especially when you just begin to use the Rotigotine patch.
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.
Let your doctor know if you experience:
- confusion and hallucinations (seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not existent)
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, agitated, or having compulsive and impulsive behaviour)
- uncontrollable movements such as twitching or jerking
- visual disturbances such as blurred vision
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 for mood disorder e.g. haloperidol, fluphenazine
- medicine used for nausea or vomiting e.g. metoclopramide
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Rotigotine.
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.
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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