Brand name:
REQUIP ( Ropinirole )
Pronounced: REE-kwip
Generic name: Ropinirole hydrochloride
Why is REQUIP ( Ropinirole ) prescribed?
REQUIP ( Ropinirole ) helps relieve the signs and symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
Caused by a deficit of dopamine (one of the brain's chief chemical
messengers), this disorder is marked by progressive muscle stiffness,
tremor, and fatigue. REQUIP ( Ropinirole ) works by stimulating dopamine receptors
in the brain, thus promoting better, easier movement.
REQUIP ( Ropinirole ) can be taken with or without levodopa (usually prescribed as
Sinemet), another drug used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
Most important fact about REQUIP ( Ropinirole ) WITHOUT PRESCRIPTIONS
REQUIP ( Ropinirole ) is not a cure for Parkinson's disease. However, it does alleviate
symptoms of the disease, and it can shorten the "off" periods
of immobility that patients on long-term levodopa therapy often begin
to experience.
How should you take REQUIP ( Ropinirole )?
Take 3 doses a day, with or without food. If the drug upsets your
stomach, combining it with food may relieve the problem. If you are
also taking levodopa, its dosage may be gradually decreased when you
start therapy with REQUIP ( Ropinirole ).
If you miss a dose REQUIP ( Ropinirole )
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next
dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule.
Do not take 2 doses at once.
Storage instructions REQUIP ( Ropinirole )
Store at room temperature away from light.
REQUIP ( Ropinirole ) side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine
if it is safe for you to continue taking REQUIP ( Ropinirole ).
* Side effects may include:
Abdominal pain, abnormal dreaming, abnormal muscle movements, abnormal vision,
amnesia, anxiety, arthritis, bronchitis, confusion, constipation, decreased
muscle movements, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, dizziness, drowsiness,
dry mouth, eye problems, fainting, falling, fatigue, hallucinations, headache,
increased sweating, indigestion, joint pain, leg swelling, nausea, nervousness,
pain, paralysis, respiratory tract infection, runny nose, sinus inflammation,
skin tingling, sore throat, swelling, tremor, urinary tract infection, viral
infections, vomiting, weakness
Why should REQUIP ( Ropinirole ) not be prescribed?
If REQUIP ( Ropinirole ) gives you an allergic reaction, you will not be able to
continue using it.
Special warnings about REQUIP ( Ropinirole )
At the start of REQUIP ( Ropinirole ) therapy and whenever the dose
is increased, you face a slightly increased risk of a fainting spell
or other symptoms
of low blood pressure such as dizziness, nausea, sweating, and light-headedness,
particularly when you get up suddenly after sitting or reclining for
a prolonged period. To avoid such symptoms, be careful to stand up
slowly.A few patients--especially older ones--also develop hallucinations.
Let your doctor know if this occurs. You may have to stop REQUIP (
Ropinirole ) therapy.Use REQUIP ( Ropinirole ) with caution if you
have heart disease. There is also a slight chance of developing respiratory
difficulties
or problems with
your eyesight. If you find it hard to breathe, have any swelling, or
develop problems with your vision, alert your doctor at once.If you
are taking Sinemet with REQUIP ( Ropinirole ), you may experience jerking
muscle movements. Tell your doctor. He will need to decrease your dose
of Sinemet.
With other Parkinson's medications, a sudden dose reduction has been
known to cause high fever, muscle stiffness, and loss of consciousness.
Although this has not happened with REQUIP ( Ropinirole ), be alert for such problems
and contact your doctor immediately if they occur.
REQUIP ( Ropinirole ) may cause drowsiness, and some people have reported falling
asleep without warning during their daily activities. Do not drive
a car or operate machinery until you know how the drug affects you.
If you find that REQUIP ( Ropinirole ) makes you sleepy or that you're suddenly falling
asleep in the middle of routine activities, tell your doctor; he will
probably discontinue the drug.
REQUIP ( Ropinirole ) may also cause darkening of your skin and eye color. Tell your
doctor if you notice any change.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking REQUIP ( Ropinirole )
If REQUIP ( Ropinirole ) is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either
can be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important
to check with your doctor before combining REQUIP ( Ropinirole ) with the following:
Alcohol
Antidepressants such as Elavil, Pamelor, and Tofranil
Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
Drugs that contain levodopa such as Dopar, Larodopa, and Sinemet
Estrogen medications such as ethinyl estradiol (Estinyl)
Major tranquilizers such as Haldol, Mellaril, Navane, Prolixin, and
Thorazine
Metoclopramide (Reglan)
Tranquilizers such as the benzodiazepines Ativan, Librium, Valium,
and Xanax
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Although the effects of REQUIP ( Ropinirole ) during pregnancy have not been adequately
studied in humans, birth defects have occurred in animals. If you are
pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately.
REQUIP ( Ropinirole ) may inhibit production of breast milk. There is also a possibility
that it will appear in breast milk and affect the nursing infant. If
REQUIP ( Ropinirole ) is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue
breastfeeding.
Recommended dosage for REQUIP ( Ropinirole )
ADULTS
Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you
suspect an overdose, seek medical treatment immediately.
