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Home Knowledge Center Wellness Library Selegiline Transdermal System (SELEGILINE - TRANSDERMAL)

Selegiline Transdermal System (SELEGILINE - TRANSDERMAL)

For depression.

Brand Name(s): Emsam

Generic Name: Selegiline

Instructions

Instructions

DO NOT take this medicine by mouth.

Remove the patch after 24 hours.

Keep the medicine at room temperature. Avoid heat and direct light.

Follow the instructions on the package to use this medicine correctly.

This patch should not be cut.

Wash your hands before and after handling this medicine.

Remove old patch before applying new one. Change the location of the new patch.

Do not use if the pouch containing the medicine is torn or damaged.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist about locations on your body where this patch can be used.

Remove the plastic liner that protects the sticky side of the patch before applying to the skin.

Apply the patch to a clean, dry, hairless area. Avoid skin that is red, scraped, or damaged.

Press the patch firmly for a few seconds to make sure it stays in place.

If the patch does not stick, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Do not cover the patch with bandage or tape unless instructed by your doctor or pharmacist.

After removing the patch, fold it together and discard it out of reach of children and pets.

Do not dispose of a used patch by flushing it into the toilet.

Avoid getting the medicine in the eyes, nose, or mouth. Wash your hands after touching patch.

If the patch falls off or you forgot to use the patch on time, apply a new patch immediately to a different location. Replace this new patch at your next usual dosing time.

Do not apply heat on the area with the patch. Avoid heating blankets, suntan beds, or hot tubs.

You can bathe, swim or shower while wearing the patch.

Avoid prolonged or excessive sunlight exposure. Use sunscreen lotion with SPF 15 or higher.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

If you need to stop this medicine, your doctor may wish to gradually reduce the dosage before stopping.

It may take several weeks for this medicine to fully work.

Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Cautions

Cautions

Do not use in children younger than 12. Some children using this medicine had serious side effects or died. Ask your doctor about risks and benefits for children between 12 and 18 years old.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

This medicine may cause dizziness or fainting. Do not stand or sit up quickly.

If possible, avoid using with alcohol, marijuana, or other medicines that can cause dizziness or drowsiness. These include allergy/cold products, muscle relaxers, sleep aids, and pain relievers.

Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Do not breastfeed while on this medicine. You may safely start breastfeeding 5 days after stopping treatment.

During pregnancy, this medicine should be used only when clearly needed. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.

Foods containing tyramine can interact with this medicine to cause serious side effects, including a dangerous rise in blood pressure. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or dietitian about foods to avoid.

It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.

If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.

Ask your doctor if patch should be removed before having an MRI scan to avoid serious burns.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Some patients have serious side effects from this medicine. Ask your pharmacist to show you the information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and discuss it with you.

Side Effects

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

  • agitated feeling or trouble sleeping
  • constipation
  • dizziness or drowsiness
  • dry mouth
  • skin irritation where medicine is applied
  • weakness

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

  • severe or persistent abdominal pain
  • loss of balance
  • chest pain
  • confusion
  • swelling of the legs, feet, and hands
  • severe or persistent headache
  • fast, irregular, or slow heartbeat
  • high blood pressure
  • muscle aches, spasms or abnormal movements
  • sore or stiff neck
  • restlessness
  • seizures
  • problems with sexual functions or desire
  • shakiness
  • suicidal thoughts
  • dark urine
  • blurring or changes of vision
  • severe or persistent vomiting
  • sudden or unexplained weight gain

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.

Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Ignite Healthwise, LLC.

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