Requip

Requip

     * Generic Name: ropinirole hcl
     * Brand Name: Requip


     * What is ropinirole (Requip, Requip XL)?
     * What are the possible side effects of ropinirole (Requip,
       Requip XL)?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       ropinirole (Requip, Requip XL)?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
       ropinirole (Requip, Requip XL)?
     * How should I take ropinirole (Requip, Requip XL)?
     * What happens if I miss a dose (Requip, Requip XL)?
     * What happens if I overdose (Requip, Requip XL)?
     * What should I avoid while taking ropinirole (Requip, Requip
       XL)?
     * What other drugs will affect ropinirole (Requip, Requip XL)?
     * Where can I get more information (Requip, Requip XL)?

What is ropinirole (Requip, Requip XL)?

   Ropinirole has some of the same effects as a chemical called
   dopamine, which occurs naturally in your body. Low levels of
   dopamine in the brain are associated with Parkinson's disease.

   Ropinirole is used to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease (stiffness,
   tremors, muscle spasms, and poor muscle control). Ropinirole is
   also used to treat restless legs syndrome (RLS).

   Only immediate-release ropinirole (Requip) is approved to treat either
   Parkinson symptoms or RLS. Extended-release ropinirole (Requip XL) is
   approved only to treat Parkinson symptoms.

   Parkinson's and RLS are two separate disorders. Having one of these
   conditions will not cause you to have the other condition.

   Ropinirole may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication
   guide.

What are the possible side effects of ropinirole (Requip, Requip XL)?

   Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:
   hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or
   throat.

   Some people taking ropinirole have fallen asleep during normal daytime
   activities such as working, talking, eating, or driving. Tell your
   doctor if you have any problems with daytime sleepiness or drowsiness.

   You may have increased sexual urges, unusual urges to gamble, or other
   intense urges while taking this medicine. Talk with your doctor if this
   occurs.

   Call your doctor at once if you have:
     * extreme drowsiness, falling asleep suddenly (even after feeling
       alert);
     * worsening or no improvement in your symptoms;
     * a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
     * unusual changes in mood or behavior;
     * tremors, twitching uncontrollable muscle movements; or
     * hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not real).

   Side effects such as confusion or hallucinations may be more likely
   in older adults.

   Common side effects may include:
     * drowsiness, dizziness, weakness;
     * headache, confusion, hallucinations;
     * increased blood pressure (severe headache, pounding in your neck or
       ears, nosebleed, irregular heartbeats);
     * nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, constipation;
     * flu symptoms (fever, chills, body aches);
     * sudden muscle movements;
     * increased sweating; or
     * swelling in your legs or feet.

   This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
   your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
   effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about ropinirole
(Requip, Requip XL)?

   Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of
   your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies,
   and all medicines you use.

   Requip Patient Information including How Should I Take
   RxList

   Take the Restless Legs Syndrome Quiz
   Restless Legs Syndrome: Home Remedies for RLS and Better Sleep

   Restless Legs Syndrome Slideshow
   Sleep Disorders: Insomnia, Sleep Apnea, and More

   Sleep Disorders Slideshow

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ropinirole
(Requip, Requip XL)?

   You should not use ropinirole if you are allergic to it.

   To make sure ropinirole is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
     * high or low blood pressure;
     * kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
     * heart disease, heart rhythm problems;
     * a sleep disorder such as narcolepsy, or other conditions that
       may cause daytime sleepiness; or
     * if you smoke.

   People with Parkinson's disease may have a higher risk of skin
   cancer (melanoma). Talk to your doctor about this risk and what
   skin symptoms to watch for.

   It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell
   your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

   It is not known whether ropinirole passes into breast milk or if it
   could affect the nursing baby. Ropinirole may slow breast milk
   production. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.

   Ropinirole is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I take ropinirole (Requip, Requip XL)?

   Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may
   occasionally change your dose. Do not take this medicine in larger or
   smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

   If you are taking immediate-release ropinirole (Requip) you should not
   take extended-release ropinirole (Requip XL) at the same time.

   The dose and timing of ropinirole in treating Parkinson's disease is
   different from the dose and timing in treating RLS. Follow the
   directions on your prescription label. Ask your pharmacist if you have
   any questions about the kind of ropinirole you receive at the pharmacy.

   Ropinirole can be taken with or without food. Take the medicine at the
   same time each day.

   Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet (Requip XL).
   Swallow it whole.

   Call your doctor if you see part of the ropinirole tablet in your
   stool. This is a sign that your body may not have absorbed all of
   the medicine.

   If you are taking this medicine for RLS, tell your doctor if your
   symptoms get worse, if they occur in the morning or earlier than usual
   in the evening, or if you feel restless symptoms in your hands or arms.

   It may take up to several weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep
   using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms
   do not improve.

   Do not stop using ropinirole suddenly, or you could have unpleasant
   withdrawal symptoms. Follow your doctor's instructions about
   tapering your dose.

   Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the
   bottle tightly closed when not in use.

   Requip Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   RxList

   Take the Restless Legs Syndrome Quiz
   Restless Legs Syndrome: Home Remedies for RLS and Better Sleep

   Restless Legs Syndrome Slideshow
   Sleep Disorders: Insomnia, Sleep Apnea, and More

   Sleep Disorders Slideshow

What happens if I miss a dose (Requip, Requip XL)?

   Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
   it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra
   medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose (Requip, Requip XL)?

   Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
   1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking ropinirole (Requip, Requip XL)?

   Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may
   feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.
   Dizziness may impair your thinking or reactions. Avoid driving or
   operating machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.

   Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of ropinirole.

What other drugs will affect ropinirole (Requip, Requip XL)?

   Taking ropinirole with other drugs that make you sleepy can worsen this
   effect. Ask your doctor before taking a sleeping pill, narcotic
   medication, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or
   seizures.

   Other drugs may interact with ropinirole, including prescription and
   over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of
   your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any
   medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information (Requip, Requip XL)?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about ropinirole.
     __________________________________________________________________


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