rotigotine at a glance
Medicine class
Dopamine agonist
Licensed use
Moderate to severe idiopathic restless legs syndrome in adults
Form
Transdermal matrix patch
Key practical point
Remove the old patch before applying a new one and rotate application sites
What is rotigotine used for?
The selected Rotigotine Luye product is licensed for:
Symptomatic treatment of moderate to severe idiopathic restless legs syndrome in adults.
How does rotigotine work?
Rotigotine stimulates dopamine receptors in the nervous system. Its precise action in restless legs syndrome is uncertain, but dopamine-receptor activity is thought to reduce the urge to move and related limb symptoms.
rotigotine preparations and strengths
Transdermal patch
Route: Transdermal
Strengths: 1 mg/24 hours, 2 mg/24 hours, 3 mg/24 hours, 4 mg/24 hours, 6 mg/24 hours, 8 mg/24 hours
How to take rotigotine
Use the patch exactly as prescribed. Remove the previous patch, then apply a new uncut patch to clean, dry, intact skin on the abdomen, thigh, hip, flank, shoulder or upper arm.
Use a different application area with each change and avoid red, irritated or damaged skin.
Open the sachet immediately before use and avoid touching the adhesive.
Press the patch firmly with your palm so it adheres properly.
Do not apply creams, oils or powders where the patch will be placed.
Avoid excessive sunlight, heating pads, saunas and hot baths over the patch.
Fold used patches adhesive-side inward and return them to a pharmacy or dispose of them as locally directed.
rotigotine side effects
Common or expected effects
- Redness, itching or irritation where the patch is applied
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headache
- Tiredness or weakness
- Sleepiness or disturbed sleep
- Indigestion
- Itching
- Swelling of the legs or feet
Get urgent medical advice
- Sudden sleep episodes or marked daytime sleepiness: do not drive and contact the prescriber promptly.
- Fainting, severe dizziness or loss of consciousness: seek prompt medical assessment.
- New compulsive gambling, shopping, eating, sexual behaviour or excessive medicine use: tell the prescriber promptly.
- Hallucinations, delusions, marked confusion or aggressive behaviour: seek medical advice promptly.
- A widespread allergic rash or swelling of the lips, tongue or face: obtain urgent medical help.
rotigotine in pregnancy
Rotigotine should not be used during pregnancy because adequate human safety data are unavailable. Anyone planning pregnancy or who becomes pregnant should contact their prescriber promptly and should not stop rotigotine suddenly without advice.
rotigotine while breastfeeding
Breastfeeding should be discontinued during rotigotine treatment. Human milk data are lacking, and rotigotine lowers prolactin, so it may reduce milk production.
rotigotine interactions
Tell the prescriber or pharmacist about all medicines and alcohol use. Important interactions include:
Metoclopramide
Its dopamine-blocking action may reduce rotigotine's effect, so concurrent use should be avoided.
Antipsychotics and other dopamine antagonists
They may oppose rotigotine's effects; specialist review may be needed.
Benzodiazepines, sedating antidepressants and other CNS depressants
Combined use may increase drowsiness and impaired alertness.
Common questions about rotigotine
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is this rotigotine patch licensed for Parkinson's disease?
No. The selected Rotigotine Luye product is licensed for moderate to severe idiopathic restless legs syndrome in adults. Licensing may differ between rotigotine products, so check the exact product supplied.
Can rotigotine patches be cut?
No. Cutting may interfere with controlled delivery from the patch.
Where can I apply a rotigotine patch?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.