Azilect 1 mg tablets – rasagiline for the treatment of Parkinson's disease

Azilect is a medicine for Parkinson's disease containing the active substance rasagiline. Rasagiline is a selective irreversible inhibitor of the enzyme monoamine oxidase type B (MAO-B) – it slows the breakdown of dopamine in the brain, helping to increase and maintain its level and so easing the symptoms of the disease.

It is used in adults, alone or with levodopa. In Serbia it is authorised as 1 mg tablets (pack of 28), the marketing authorisation holder is Actavis d.o.o. Beograd (Teva), and it is prescription-only.

What is Azilect (rasagiline) used for and how is it taken?

Key facts about the medicine

What is Azilect used for?

According to the Summary of Product Characteristics, Azilect is indicated in adults for the treatment of idiopathic Parkinson's disease:

• as monotherapy (without levodopa)
• as adjunct therapy with levodopa in patients with end-of-dose fluctuations

In Parkinson's disease, cells that produce dopamine – a substance important for controlling movement – are lost in certain parts of the brain. The medicine is not recommended for people under 18 years.

How is it taken and dosed?

Take the tablet once a day by mouth. The Summary of Product Characteristics states that rasagiline can be used safely without dietary tyramine restrictions. This is the general dosage from the package leaflet – your doctor decides on your treatment.

Contraindications – when the medicine must not be taken

• hypersensitivity to rasagiline or any excipient
• severe liver impairment (use should be avoided in moderate impairment)
• concomitant use of other MAO inhibitors (including non-prescription medicines and natural products such as St John's wort) or pethidine – at least 14 days must pass between stopping Azilect and starting these medicines

Warnings and precautions

• Impulse control disorders (gambling, compulsive shopping, increased sex drive, compulsive behaviour) – family members should tell the doctor if they notice them.
• Drowsiness and sudden sleep during daily activities, especially with other dopaminergic medicines.
• A possible increased risk of melanoma – suspicious skin changes should be shown to a doctor.
• Tell your doctor if you smoke or plan to stop – smoking can reduce the amount of medicine in the blood.

Interactions with other medicines

• contraindicated: other MAO inhibitors (including St John's wort) and pethidine
• avoid: fluoxetine and fluvoxamine – wait at least 5 weeks after stopping fluoxetine before starting Azilect, and at least 14 days after Azilect before starting fluoxetine or fluvoxamine
• tell your doctor: SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants, ciprofloxacin, dextromethorphan (cough medicine)
• sympathomimetics in eye drops, nasal sprays and tablets and cold remedies containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine

Pregnancy and breast-feeding

Taking Azilect during pregnancy should be avoided, as its effects on pregnancy and the newborn are not known. Rasagiline may reduce milk production and it is not known whether it passes into milk – caution is needed in breast-feeding women. Ask your doctor for advice.

Driving and using machines

Both Parkinson's disease and Azilect can affect your ability to drive. The medicine may cause dizziness, drowsiness and sudden sleep episodes, especially with other Parkinson's medicines, sedating medicines or alcohol. If you experience drowsiness or sudden sleep, do not drive or use machines.

Possible side effects

• Very common: involuntary movements (dyskinesia), headache.
• Common: abdominal pain, falls, allergic reaction, fever, flu, malaise, neck and chest pain, orthostatic hypotension (dizziness on standing), reduced appetite, constipation, dry mouth, nausea and vomiting, wind, joint and muscle pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, weight loss, abnormal dreams, balance disorder, depression, vertigo, dystonia, runny nose, rash, conjunctivitis, urinary urgency.
• Uncommon: stroke, heart attack, blistering rash.
• Frequency not known: raised blood pressure, excessive sleepiness, sudden sleep onset, impulse control disorders, hallucinations, serotonin syndrome.

Report suspected side effects to your doctor, pharmacist or ALIMS.

Overdose, missed dose and stopping treatment

• If you have taken too much, contact your doctor or pharmacist straight away and bring the pack. Symptoms may include mildly euphoric mood, very high blood pressure and serotonin syndrome.
• If you forget a dose, do not take a double dose – take the next one at the usual time.
• Do not stop treatment without consulting your doctor.

Related information

For additional care and support with digestive complaints such as constipation, see also the Digestive system category – products in this category do not replace the medicine you have been prescribed.

Composition, packaging and manufacturer

• Active substance: rasagiline 1 mg (as rasagiline mesilate) per tablet.
• Excipients: mannitol, colloidal anhydrous silica, maize starch, pregelatinised maize starch, stearic acid, talc.
• Appearance and pack: round, flat, bevelled white tablets marked "GIL 1"; blister of 28 tablets (2 x 14).
• Marketing authorisation holder: Actavis d.o.o. Beograd; manufacturer Teva Operations Poland Sp. z o.o.

Storage

• Store below 30 °C.
• Do not use after the expiry date.
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
• Return unused medicine to a pharmacy that collects unused medicines.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to avoid cheese and other tyramine-rich foods?

According to the Summary of Product Characteristics, clinical studies show that rasagiline at the recommended dose can be taken safely without dietary tyramine restrictions.

Can I take St John's wort with Azilect?

No. St John's wort preparations act as MAO inhibitors and must not be taken with Azilect.

Can I use drops or a spray for a blocked nose?

Drops, sprays and tablets containing ephedrine, pseudoephedrine or other sympathomimetics need medical advice. Saline or sea-water sprays without decongestants do not contain these substances – ask your pharmacist.

Is Azilect taken with levodopa?

It can be taken alone or with levodopa in patients whose levodopa effect wears off before the next dose. The neurologist decides on the combination.

When should I take the tablet?

Once a day, with or without food – ideally at the same time each day.

Sources

• ALIMS – Summary of Product Characteristics, Azilect® 1 mg tablets (Serbian)
• ALIMS – Package leaflet, Azilect® (March 2024, Serbian)
• ALIMS – List of interchangeable medicines (26 May 2026)

Sources checked on: 23 October 2026.