Requip XL

Requip XL works similarly to a natural chemical in your body called dopamine. Low levels of dopamine in the brain are linked to Parkinson's disease.

Requip XL is used to help with symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as stiffness, tremors, muscle spasms, and poor muscle control. This medicine is also used to treat restless legs syndrome (RLS).

Only immediate-release Requip XL (Requip) is approved for treating symptoms of Parkinson's disease or RLS. The extended-release version of this medicine (Requip XL) is approved only for treating symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease and RLS are two different conditions. Having one of these conditions will not lead to having the other condition.

Requip XL may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

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

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

The dose and timing of ropinirole for treating Parkinson's disease is different from the dose and timing for treating restless legs syndrome (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.

Requip XL 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 Requip XL tablet in your stool. This means 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 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 Requip XL 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.

Follow all instructions on your medicine label and package. Inform each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you are taking.

You should not use Requip XL if you are allergic to it.

To make sure Requip XL 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 Requip XL 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.

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

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 Requip XL 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 Requip XL. Talk with your doctor if this occurs.

Requip XL may cause serious side effects. 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 or 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 of Requip XL 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.

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

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

• 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 Requip XL will affect you.

Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of ropinirole.

Taking Requip XL with other drugs that cause drowsiness can make you feel even sleepier. Talk to 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. Inform all your health care providers about every medicine you are currently using and any medicine you begin or stop using.