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Rotigotine

Pronounced

"roe-TIG-oh-teen"

Common brand names:

Neupro

Uses

Rotigotine is used alone or with other medications to treat Parkinson's disease. It can improve your ability to move and decrease shakiness (tremor), stiffness, slowed movement, and unsteadiness. Rotigotine is also used to treat restless legs syndrome (RLS).

Rotigotine is a dopamine agonist that works by helping to restore the balance of a certain natural substance (dopamine) in the brain.

How to Use This Medication

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using rotigotine and each time you get a refill. Learn how to use this patch properly. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Do not open the sealed pouch until ready to use. Do not cut the patch or use the patch if it appears broken, cut, or damaged. Open the pouch and remove the patch. Peel off the backing from the patch as directed and apply the patch to a clean, dry, and hairless area of the skin on the front of the abdomen, thigh, hip, side of the lower back (flank), shoulder, or upper arm. Press the patch firmly in place for about 30 seconds to make sure it stays on. Do not apply the patch on oily, broken, or irritated skin. Do not use creams, lotions, ointments, oils, or powders on skin where you are applying the patch. Avoid applying the patch to areas of the skin where it might be easily rubbed off (such as on skin folds or under tight clothing). If applying to a hairy area, shave the area at least 3 days before applying the patch. Wash your hands with soap and water after handling the patch. Do not touch your eyes or other objects until your hands are washed.

The patch is usually worn for 1 day and replaced. Apply the patch to a different area on your body each time to avoid irritation. Wait at least 14 days before applying the patch to the same area. If the patch irritates the skin, protect the area from direct sunlight until the skin is completely healed. Sunlight may cause the irritated skin to change color.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To reduce your risk of side effects (such as nausea, dizziness), your doctor may direct you to start at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, change your patch at the same time each day.

To prevent the patch from coming off, use care while showering, bathing, and exercising. If the edges of the patch start to loosen, you may tape it in place with bandage tape. If the patch falls off, apply a new patch to a different area, and change the patch at your usual time the next day.

When changing your patch, carefully remove the old patch, fold it in half with the sticky side together, and throw it away in the trash away from children and pets. Do not touch the sticky side with your fingers. Wash the application area with soap and water. Use baby oil or mineral oil to remove any leftover stickiness. Do not use solvents such as alcohol or nail polish remover. Always wash your hands after handling the patch, being careful not to touch your eyes or other objects until after you have washed your hands.

Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when this medication is suddenly stopped. Also, if you suddenly stop using this medication, you may have withdrawal symptoms (such as anxiety, depression, confusion, fever, muscle stiffness). To help prevent withdrawal, your doctor may lower your dose slowly. Withdrawal is more likely if you have used rotigotine for a long time or in high doses. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if you have withdrawal.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

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Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

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Information expires December 2025.