Rotigotine transdermal skin patch

August 28, 2020

Text SUPPORT1 to 21825 to learn if you may be eligible for financial support with your medication(s).

Msg&DataRatesMayApply. Msg freq varies. Terms apply. Text HELP for help. Text STOP to end.

Rotigotine transdermal skin patch

What is this medicine?

ROTIGOTINE (roe TIG oh teen) is used to control the signs and symptoms of Parkinson's disease or restless legs syndrome.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for external use only. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Use exactly as directed. Wash hands after removing and applying this medicine. Change the patch each day at the same time. Apply the patch to an area of the upper arm or body that is clean, dry, and hairless. Do not use this patch on skin that is injured, irritated, oily, or calloused. Do not apply where the patch will be rubbed by tight clothing or a waistband. Do not apply to the same place more than once every 14 days in order to prevent skin irritation. Do not cut or trim the patch. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Always remove the old patch before you apply a new one. Remove patch slowly and carefully to avoid irritation. After removal, fold the patch so that it sticks to itself and throw it away. After removal of patch, wash the area with soap and water to remove any drug or adhesive. Baby oil or mineral oil may be used if needed. Do not use alcohol or other liquids.

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

  • breathing problems

  • changes in emotions or moods

  • confusion

  • dizziness

  • falling asleep during normal activities like driving

  • fast, irregular, or slow heartbeat

  • feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

  • hallucinations

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

  • skin irritation, redness, or swelling

  • uncontrollable movements of the arms, face, head, mouth, neck, or upper body

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

  • constipation

  • headache

  • loss of appetite

  • nausea

  • trouble sleeping

  • weight gain

What may interact with this medicine?

  • alcohol

  • antihistamines for allergy, cough and cold

  • certain medicines for sleep

  • medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances

  • metoclopramide

  • narcotic medicines for pain

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). Keep container tightly closed. Store in original pouch until just before use. 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:

  • heart disease

  • high blood pressure

  • low blood pressure

  • kidney disease

  • mental illness

  • narcolepsy

  • sleep apnea

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to rotigotine, sulfites, 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 health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Tell your health care professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. Do not stop taking except on your health care professional's advice. You may develop a severe reaction. Your health care professional will tell you how much medicine to take.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine 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 may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

When taking this medicine, you may fall asleep without notice. You may be doing activities like driving a car, talking, or eating. You may not feel drowsy before it happens. Contact your health care provider right away if this happens to you.

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

This medicine patch is sensitive to certain body heat changes. If your skin gets too hot, more medicine will come out of the patch. Call your healthcare provider if you get a fever. Do not take hot baths. Do not sunbathe. Do not use hot tubs, saunas, hairdryers, heating pads, electric blankets, heated waterbeds, or tanning lamps. Do not do exercise that increases your body temperature.

If you are going to have a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedure, tell your MRI technician if you have this patch on your body. It must be removed before a MRI.

Updated:  

August 28, 2020