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Rasagiline(Azilect)

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Posted 8/30/2006 5:28 PM (GMT 0)
Anyone one out there currently using Rasagiline for control of PD symptoms?If so do you take it in addition to levodopa therapy,and was it effective in control of your PD?Did you experience side effects?This drug should become available thru U.S.pharmacies soon,and many of us will be considering using it.Thank you for your input.Ed
Posted 8/31/2006 1:34 PM (GMT 0)
I've been taking Azilect for around 6 months - initially as a monotherapy, now with an agonist.

I had no significant side effects - apart from maybe a little light-headedness, and joint-ache to begin with, but this soon passed.

I'm fairly new to the PD community - diagnosed earlier this year at 36 - so I'm not quite sure what I should have expected, but the best way to describe the effect of rasagiline was that I felt mentally brighter and more alert, and physically more supple. It reduced the impact of stress on my tremor - I have a head tremor, which only really surfaces when I'm stressed socially. But it didn't really have much impact on the stiffness and difficulty in moving my right hand - which for my work is the most challenging aspect of my PD. These improvements slowly slipped away - so I've now started on the rotigotine transdermal patch in addition.

Since I've started the rotigotine transdermal patch I've noticed an almost immediate and more significant improvement in symptoms - I'm on the lowest dose of 2mg/24 hrs and looking to increase it next week...

Difficult to know whether the agonist itself is more effective in my particular case, or whether the combination of agonist and Azilect is better than taking the agonist on its own. If that makes sense!

Hope that's of some help.
Posted 9/1/2006 12:36 AM (GMT 0)
Toob,Thankyou for the info on your experience with azilect.This is a great help for me,and I'm sure others who are considering this med.I found out today from my neuro that it became available in the U.S. about 2 weeks ago.He also recommended that I stay on mirapex,and stalevo as this currently is giving fair control of my PD.So for now I guess I'll follow the philosophy that if it works leave it alone.In the future I may consider trying Azilect.Wish you the best,and Welcome to healing well. Ed

Posted 9/1/2006 6:26 AM (GMT 0)

Toob, Are you from the US? I didn't think that the Rotigatine patch was FDA-approved or available to the general public in the US. I have a couple friends participating in the Rotigatine patch study and who have had satifactory results. I thought it was facing some challenges from the FDA.

lizzy4451

Posted 9/1/2006 7:23 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Lizzy,

No - sorry, I should have mentioned I'm in the UK. It seems that the regulatory system here is a bit faster at approving these things.

Saying that - my neurologist was unable to prescribe the patch for me because the hospital has it's own drugs policy and won't approve it's use yet. Which has meant that I'm having to make regular visits to my local GP who is allowed to prescribe it.

The National Health Service over here is fantastic in many ways but I find this sort of thing baffling...
Posted 9/2/2006 6:14 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Ed
I started taking Azilect (Rasagilene) 12 months ago-1mg daily. I take it in combination with the dopamine agonist Pergolide -1mgx3 daily
Ive had no noticeable side effects. It was prescribed mainly to extend the 'on time' of the Pergolide. It has helped with the end of dose problems and the 'wading through treacle' feeling when walking. It hasnt really helped with any of my other symptoms I dont think- but then again I have not noticed any further deterioration in my condition over the last year.
I was hoping for some control of my right hand/arm tremor but no sign of any improvement there
Im also in UK - diagnosed 6 years ago
Posted 9/5/2006 10:38 PM (GMT 0)
Mayfly,T.Y. for the reply.Sounds like it is helping you.Wish you the best.Ed
Posted 9/7/2006 5:44 PM (GMT 0)
Question:  is there anywhere out of the U.S. that Rasagiline/Azilect can be ordered inexpensively?  My husbands doctor recommends that he go on it (as he is currently not on anything) however, since it has just been FDA approved, our insurance carrier Blue Cross/Blue Shield will not cover it.  If we want it -- the cost is $350 a month!  I recall someone in this forum mentioning awhile back that it can be purchased in Canada.  Please let me know! 
Posted 9/9/2006 6:08 PM (GMT 0)
It is always good to try using a specialty pharmacy. I work at one, and sometimes they are successful in getting things approved through insurance that retail does not have the time or experience getting it approved. Sometimes if your pharmacy benefits do not cover the medication, your major medical carrier will and the pharmacy I work for will bill your insurance for you or help you file for reimbursement. The pharmacy should coordinate with your doctor to get prior authorization for your meds that are medically necessary.
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