Ropinirole extended-release tablets

What is this medicine?

ROPINIROLE (roe PIN i role) is used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. It helps to improve muscle control and movement difficulties.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Do not cut, crush or chew this medicine. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking this medicine except on your doctor's advice. Stopping this medicine too quickly may cause serious side effects.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• changes in vision

• chest pain

• confusion

• falling asleep during normal activities like driving

• fast, irregular heartbeat

• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

• hallucination, loss of contact with reality

• joint or muscle pain

• loss of bladder control

• loss of memory

• new or increased gambling urges, sexual urges, uncontrolled spending, binge or compulsive eating, or other urges

• pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet

• shortness of breath, troubled breathing, tightness in chest, or wheezing

• signs and symptoms of low blood pressure like dizziness; feeling faint or lightheaded, falls; unusually weak or tired

• swelling of the ankles, feet, hands

• uncontrollable head, mouth, neck, arm, or leg movements

• vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• dizziness

• drowsiness

• headache

• increased sweating

• nausea

• tremors

What may interact with this medicine?

• ciprofloxacin

• female hormones, like estrogens and birth control pills

• medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances

• metoclopramide

• mexiletine

• norfloxacin

• omeprazole

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• dizzy or fainting spells

• heart disease

• high blood pressure

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• low blood pressure

• sleeping problems

• an unusual or allergic reaction to ropinirole, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. It may be several weeks or months before you feel the full effect of this medicine.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can increase possible dizziness. Avoid alcoholic drinks. If you find that you have sudden feelings of wanting to sleep during normal activities, like cooking, watching television, or while driving or riding in a car, you should contact your health care professional.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

There have been reports of increased sexual urges or other strong urges such as gambling while taking some medicines for Parkinson's disease. If you experience any of these urges while taking this medicine, you should report it to your health care provider as soon as possible.

You should check your skin often for changes to moles and new growths while taking this medicine. Call your doctor if you notice any of these changes.