Safinamide is used together with other medicines to treat Parkinson's disease (disorder that affects the movement of a person, causing symptoms such as tremors, muscle stiffness, slowed movement, and impaired balance or walking) in mid- to late-stage individuals who are experiencing sudden switches between being able to move and having difficulties moving.
Take Safinamide 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.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your condition and response to the medication.
Safinamide must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it suddenly as this may worsen your condition.
If you missed a dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule the next day.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- albinism (lack of pigment in the skin, hair or eyes)
- retinal degeneration (damage in the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye)
- uveitis (inflammation inside of the eye)
- inherited vision disorders
- severe progressive diabetic retinopathy (complication of diabetes characterised by loss of vision)
- severe liver disease
as Safinamide may not be suitable for you.
Do not take Safinamide with medicines used to treat depression, hyperactivity disorders, cough, pain, and certain antibiotics. Please see the section "Can I take this with other medicines?" below for more information.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- mental disorders
- other eye diseases
- moderate liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. liver function, eye examination) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Your blood pressure may rise to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly during treatment.
Safinamide may cause dizziness or may cause you to suddenly fall asleep during your daily activities such as eating and watching television. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Notify your doctor if you experience worsening Parkinson's disease (e.g. tremors, slowed movements, stiffness of the arms and legs, imbalance while walking) and other uncontrollable movements such as twitching and jerking.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, nausea, indigestion, loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, and cough.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- agitation, confusion, hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not existent), fever, fast heartbeat, excessive sweating, muscle stiffness or spasms
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed or having compulsive and impulsive behaviour)
- sudden loss of vision, seeing floating specks or cobwebs, double vision, increased pressure in the eye
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Safinamide if you are currently taking or have taken the following medicines in the last 14 days:
- medicines to treat depression e.g. selegiline, amitriptyline, duloxetine, fluoxetine, maprotiline
- strong painkillers e.g. tramadol, pethidine, methadone
- linezolid (antibiotic)
- cyclobenzaprine (medicine used to relieve painful muscle spasms)
- St. John's wort (herbal medicine)
Do not take this medicine with the following medicines:
- dextromethorphan (medicine used to relieve cough)
- medicines to treat hyperactivity disorders e.g. methylphenidate, amphetamine
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for mood disorders
- certain medicines for cancer e.g. methotrexate, irinotecan, imatinib
- isoniazid (medicine to treat TB [an infection known as tuberculosis])
- metoclopramide (medicine for nausea or vomiting)
- rosuvastatin (cholesterol-lowering medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Safinamide.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol and other drinks that contain tyramine such as red wine and beer.
Avoid foods that are rich in tyramine, such as cheese, sausages, soya beans, fava beans, broad beans, and pickled foods like sauerkraut. Ask your doctor or dietitian about the types of food you should avoid.
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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