Rasagiline (Azilect) is a selective and irreversible monoamine oxidase type B (MAO-B) inhibitor, approved for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. While this medication effectively improves motor symptoms, a series of potential side effect risks are associated with its efficacy.

What Are the Side Effects of Rasagiline (Azilect)?

Common Reactions in Monotherapy

Influenza-like symptoms (5%).

Arthralgia (7%).

Dyspepsia (7%).

Depression (5%).

Headache (14%).

Falls (5%).

Side Effects in Adjunctive Therapy Without Levodopa

Peripheral edema (7%).

Falls (6%).

Cough (4%).

Side Effects in Adjunctive Therapy With Levodopa

Dyskinesia (18%).

Accidental injuries (12%).

Weight loss (9%).

Warnings for Severe Side Effects of Rasagiline (Azilect).

Risk of Hypertension

May exacerbate hypertension; new-onset hypertension or poorly controlled blood pressure should be monitored.

When used in combination with levodopa, the incidence of significant blood pressure elevation (systolic blood pressure > 180 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure > 100 mmHg) is 4%.

Although routine dietary tyramine restriction is not required, consumption of foods containing extremely high amounts of tyramine (> 150 mg) should be avoided.

Serotonin Syndrome

High-risk contraindicated concomitant medications: meperidine, tramadol, methadone, dextromethorphan.

Other MAO inhibitors (including selective MAO-B inhibitors).

St. John's wort, cyclobenzaprine.

Other Severe Neurological Reactions

Dyskinesia.

Hallucinations/psychotic-like behaviors.

Impulse control/compulsive behaviors.

Withdrawal-related hyperpyrexia and confusion.

Precautions for Using Rasagiline (Azilect)

Individualized Dosing Regimen

Monotherapy: 1 mg once daily.

Adjunctive therapy without levodopa: 1 mg once daily.

Adjunctive therapy with levodopa: Initial dose of 0.5 mg once daily, which may be increased to 1 mg once daily.

Dosage Adjustments for Special Populations

Patients taking ciprofloxacin or other CYP1A2 inhibitors: Do not exceed 0.5 mg once daily.

Mild hepatic impairment: Do not exceed 0.5 mg once daily.

Moderate or severe hepatic impairment: Contraindicated.

Lifestyle Management

Driving warning: Avoid driving if somnolence occurs.

Dietary advice: Avoid large amounts of tyramine-containing foods (e.g., aged cheese).

Symptom Reporting Mechanism

Recognize symptoms of hepatotoxicity: unusual fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice.

Report new or worsening psychiatric symptoms: hallucinations, abnormal impulses, etc.