Azilect
(rasagiline)
Treats Parkinson's disease.
Our bottom line
Azilect (rasagiline) is one of the recommended medicines to treat Parkinson's disease. It is now available in generic, which makes it more affordable for people without insurance.
- Drug class: Neuro/psych
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (rasagiline)
Upsides
- Azilect (rasagiline) is one of the go-to medicines for Parkinson's disease. It can be used in early and late stages of the disease.
- Taking Azilect (rasagiline) by itself can help slow down Parkinson's disease, but it works better when it's given with other medicines.
- Azilect (rasagiline) is available as generic as well as brand name, so there are usually lower out-of-pocket costs for you with insurance.
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What to expect from Azilect, on one page
Download Fact SheetDownsides
- It can cause unusual cravings and changes in behavior in some people.
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What to expect from Azilect, on one page
Download Fact SheetAzilect (rasagiline) is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor. It increases the amount of dopamine in the brain, which helps those with Parkinson's disease gain better control their movements.
- Drug class: Neuro/psych
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (rasagiline)
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- Get free coupon
$189.20 - CostcoGet free coupon$202.25
What to expect when you take Azilect (rasagiline) for Parkinson's disease
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Falling asleep during the day
- Low blood pressure
- Movement problems
- Lack of impulse control
- Nausea and indigestion
- Headache
Side effect rates for Azilect (rasagiline)
- Difficulty controlling movement18%18%10%10%
- Headache14%14%12%12%
- Accidental injury12%12%5%5%
- Nausea12%12%8%8%
- Headache11%11%10%10%
- Falls11%11%8%8%
- Weight loss9%9%3%3%
- Constipation9%9%5%5%
- Low blood pressure9%9%3%3%
- Joint pain8%8%4%4%
- Indigestion7%7%4%4%
- Dizziness7%7%6%6%
- Swelling in arms and legs7%7%4%4%
- Vomiting7%7%1%1%
- Headache6%6%4%4%
- Nausea6%6%4%4%
- Falls6%6%1%1%
- Dry mouth6%6%3%3%
- Rash6%6%3%3%
- Sleepiness6%6%4%4%
- Depression5%5%2%2%
- Falls5%5%3%3%
- Flu-like symptoms5%5%1%1%
- Joint pain5%5%2%2%
- Abdominal pain5%5%1%1%
- Loss of appetite5%5%1%1%
- Diarrhea5%5%4%4%
- Bruising5%5%3%3%
- Indigestion5%5%4%4%
- Tingling or prickling sensation5%5%3%3%
- Back pain4%4%3%3%
- Cough4%4%1%1%
- Trouble sleeping4%4%1%1%
- Cold or flu4%4%2%2%
- Unusual dreams4%4%1%1%
- Hallucinations4%4%3%3%
- Eyelid problems3%3%1%1%
- Fever3%3%1%1%
- Stomach infection3%3%1%1%
- Stuffy nose3%3%1%1%
- Low blood pressure3%3%1%1%
- Movement coordination problems3%3%1%1%
- Shortness of breath3%3%2%2%
- Infections3%3%2%2%
- Neck pain3%3%1%1%
- Sweating3%3%1%1%
- Tendon swelling3%3%
- Uncontrollable muscle movements3%3%1%1%
- Arthritis2%2%1%1%
- Bruising2%2%
- Weakness2%2%
- Neck pain2%2%
- Tingling or prickling sensation2%2%1%1%
- Dizziness2%2%1%1%
- Gum swelling2%2%1%1%
- Excessive bleeding2%2%1%1%
- Hernia2%2%1%1%
- Muscle weakness2%2%1%1%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Azilect.
People taking Azilect felt side effect more
People taking Azilect felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Azilect (rasagiline)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Eating foods rich in tyramine, like soy sauce, fermented cheese and smoked meats
Taking Azilect (rasagiline) with certain medicines can lead to serotonin syndrome, which is a serious condition. Check with your doctor before taking Azilect (rasagiline), especially if you are on medicines to improve your mood.
Common concerns from people taking Azilect (rasagiline)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?Research studies with animals found harmful effects on unborn babies. It hasn’t been properly studied in humans. The benefits might outweigh the risks even if you’re pregnant. Talk with your doctor.
Tip: Always talk with your doctor before you take any medication while pregnant.