Neupro Transdermal Patch (Rotigotine)

Description

Neupro (rotigotine transdermal system) is a patch that is medicated with a dopamine agonist for the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD) and moderate-to-severe primary Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS). 

Parkinson's disease is a degenerative nervous system disorder associated with decreased levels of dopamine in the brain, causing tremors, difficulty moving, stiff muscles, and problems with balance.

Restless Legs Syndrome is a disorder that causes you to feel a sudden urge to move your legs because of uncomfortable aching or tugging sensations. 

Directions

Parkinson's disease

Neupro (rotigotine transdermal system) dosages can range from 2 mg/24 hours to 8 mg/24 hours.

Restless Legs Syndrome

Neupro (rotigotine transdermal system) dosages can range from 1 mg/24 hours to 3 mg/24 hours.

Once you are prescribed and buy medication neupro patch, then the Neupro patch should be applied to the skin once a day at around the same time each day. The sticky side should be placed on clean, dry skin on the front of the abdomen, flank, hip, shoulder, thigh, or upper arm. The skin site where you will be placing the patch should not be hairy, oily, irritated, or scratched. You should avoid placing the patch where it will be rubbed by clothing. 

The patch should be held firmly in place for 30 seconds to ensure that it sticks well. Place the patch at a different site each day (for instance, from the left side to the right side or from the lower body to the upper body). 

Do not apply the patch to the same site more than once every 14 days. Your prescribed dose may require one or more patches.

Ingredients

The active ingredient in the Neupro transdermal patch is Rotigotine. Rotigotine is a dopamine agonist.

Cautions

Before you start using Neupro (rotigotine transdermal system), you should tell your doctor about any medications you take, including prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, and supplements. 

Neupro may not be right for everyone. Before you start using Neupro (rotigotine transdermal system), be sure to tell your doctor if you:

• have trouble breathing.
• have a sleep disorder or daytime sleepiness.
• have mental disorders like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or psychosis.
• feel unwell when you stand up.
• drink alcohol.
• have blood pressure problems.
• currently have heart problems or have a history of heart problems.
• are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. 
• are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed.

Before you start using Neupro, be sure to discuss your allergies with your doctor. Neupro contains sodium metabisulfite that can cause allergic reactions in people who have a sulfite sensitivity. Neupro may also contain other ingredients that can cause an allergic reaction. 

Falling asleep or drowsiness during daily activities, including while driving, may occur.

 Do not drive, operate machinery, or work at heights until you know how Neupro affects you.

Hallucinations, psychosis, or involuntary movements may occur while using Neupro.

A symptomatic drop in blood pressure when sitting or standing up may occur with the use of Neupro, especially during dosage increases. Fainting may also occur.

An increase in blood pressure or heart rate may occur during treatment with Neupro and should be taken into account if you have cardiovascular disease.

Reactions at the application site can develop and may be severe. Be sure to rotate the Neupro patch application site each day.

If you experience uncontrollable urges or behaviors while using Neupro, let your doctor know immediately. Your doctor may decrease your dose or discontinue Neupro.

If you stop Neupro or decrease the dose all of a sudden, you may experience a very high fever and confusion. It is recommended to gradually decrease the dose.

Let your doctor know if you experience withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, depression, tiredness, trouble sleeping, sweating, and pain. These symptoms may occur during dosage decreases or after stopping Neupro.

If you must have magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or a cardioversion, be sure to take off your Neupro transdermal patch prior to the procedure. These procedures can burn the skin where the Neupro is applied.

Side Effects

As with any medication, Neupro can have side effects. If you experience any side effects while using Neupro for Parkinson's, be sure to speak with your doctor. Common side effects of Neupro include:

• Skin reactions at the application site
• Anorexia
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness/sleepiness
• Excessive sweating
• Headache
• Involuntary movements
• Nausea
• Swelling of hands or legs
• Problems with sleep
• Problems with vision
• Vomiting

Be sure to keep Neupro away from children and pets. Be sure to read the Instructions for Use before you apply and remove the patch.

References:

1. NEUPRO Prescribing Information. Smyrna, GA: UCB, Inc., 2021.
2. What Is Parkinson's? Parkinson's Foundation. Accessed October 26, 2021.
3. Restless Legs Syndrome. Cleveland Clinic. Last reviewed January 24, 2020. Accessed October 26, 2021.

About Dr. Savannah Muncy (Page Author)

Dr. Muncy (PharmD) studied science and education as an undergraduate before attending the Appalachian College of Pharmacy where she completed her PharmD in three years. She is currently using her pharmacy and healthcare expertise to write medical content for clients all around the world. She is focused on delivering the most current, accurate, and engaging information to healthcare professionals and patients. Read More....