Ropinirole - Oral

Ropinirole is used on its own or together with other medicines to treat Parkinson's disease (disorder that affects the movement of a person, causing symptoms such as tremors, muscle stiffness, slowed movement and impaired balance or walking).

This medicine is also used to treat restless legs syndrome (a nerve disorder that causes an uncontrollable urge to move your legs due to an uncomfortable sensation).

Take Ropinirole exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.

Ropinirole is available as an immediate-release tablet or a prolonged-release tablet.

If you are taking the prolonged-release or extended-release type of tablet (may be labelled as "XL" or "PD"), swallow it whole. Do not divide, chew or crush the tablet.

The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type of your condition and your response to the medication.

Ropinirole must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it suddenly as this may worsen your condition.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

If you missed a dose for 1 or more days, notify your doctor immediately. You may be required to restart the treatment.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor or pharmacist know.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• pre-existing dyskinesia (uncontrollable involuntary movements such as twitching and jerking)
• heart disease
• current or history of mental health problems
• liver disease
• severe kidney disease, including those undergoing dialysis (a procedure that helps individuals with kidney failure to filter toxic substances from the blood)

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Inform your doctor if you have started or stopped smoking during treatment with Ropinirole.

Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?

Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.

• Your blood pressure may fall to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure during treatment.
• Regular monitoring of behavioural changes and skin reactions may also be needed.

Ropinirole may cause you to suddenly fall asleep during your daily activities such as eating and watching television. Do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.

This medicine may also cause your blood pressure to fall suddenly when you get up from a sitting or lying down position and you may feel giddy. To minimise this problem, stand up slowly.

Other side effects include any of the following: nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, indigestion, back pain, and dizziness with or without sensations of spinning.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• hallucinations (seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not existent)
• changes in mood or behaviour
• strong or uncontrollable urges, excessive eating, abnormally high sex drive
• uncontrollable movements such as twitching or jerking
• chest pain or tightness, shortness of breath, abnormal heartbeat
• worsening of restless legs syndrome manifested by earlier onset of symptoms or involvement of previously unaffected limbs

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:

• metoclopramide (medicine for nausea or vomiting)
• fluvoxamine (medicine to treat depression)
• sulpiride (medicine for mood disorders)
• medicines that cause drowsiness or affect your concentration
• blood-thinning medicines e.g. warfarin
• certain antibiotics e.g. ciprofloxacin, enoxacin
• hormone replacement therapy (a type of treatment that uses products containing certain hormones to prevent or treat certain medical conditions)

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Ropinirole.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicine, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol. Alcohol intake may worsen the drowsiness caused by Ropinirole.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.