University of Washington
Drug Information Sheet
|
Selegiline Transdermal
System (STS) |
Other Names: Carbex®
Manufacturer: Somerset
Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
What is it?
Selegiline is a medication
that is used in combination with other medications to treat people with
Parkinson’s Disease, a disease characterized by difficulty with movement and
muscle control. It is thought that
selegiline might be beneficial in treating other conditions, including
depression, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and HIV-associated
cognitive impairment. The purpose of
this study is to determine if selegiline is useful for HIV-associated cognitive
impairment and to show that it is safe to use.
How does it work?
The
exact mechanism of how selegiline works is not known. It is possible that selegiline decreases the formation of
oxygen-free radicals which can damage neurons.
It may also directly increase the formation of protective antioxidant
enzymes. Also, it has been suggested
that selegiline may have a “rescue effect” on dying or injured neurons. These are all possible ways in which
selegiline may work to improve cognitive function in people with HIV-associated
cognitive impairment.
How do I use the patch?
·
Selegiline
Transdermal System (STS) or matching placebo will be supplied in individual
foil pouches
·
Apply
a new Selegiline Transdermal System every day at approximately the same time
each day (i.e. every morning, or every afternoon, or every evening) to a
different site on the body
·
Select
the site for the new patch and wash the area gently with soap and lukewarm
water. Rinse with clean water until all
soap is removed and gently dry the area with a clean dry towel.
·
Remove
the patch from the packet just before you are ready to apply it. Remove the protective backing and throw it
away. Try not to touch the exposed side
of the patch as the medication could come off on your fingers.
·
Press
the sticky side of the patch firmly against the skin site that was just washed
and dried. Make sure the patch is flat
against the skin (there are no bumps or folds in the patch) and is sticking
securely. Be sure the edges are stuck
to the skin surface.
·
After
the patch has been applied, wash your hands thoroughly to remove any medicine
that may have gotten on them – do not touch your eyes until after your hands
are washed.
·
Following
the 24-hour application period, the patch should be removed from the skin and
folded in half so that the adhesive side of the patch adheres to itself. After the patch is removed, wash the patch
site gently and rinse.
·
If
the patch falls off during the day, reapply it to the same area and use
adhesive tape. If the patch can not be
reapplied, use a new patch in the same area.
Special Considerations
·
Selegiline
Transdermal System should be stored at controlled room temperature in a dry
place, out of the reach of children.
·
Bring
all unused patches to the clinic during each scheduled visit.
Interactions
Some
drugs taken together may have interactions that cause illness or impair the
effectiveness of the drugs. It is a good
idea to always check with your study clinician before taking any other
medications, prescription or otherwise, to be sure it will not interact with
Selegiline Transdermal System.
The
following is a list of prohibited medications.
Use of these medications during the study may result in severe side
effects and study medications may be stopped temporarily.
Other
medications should only be used with extreme caution. These include tricyclic antidepressants and antidepressants such
as Prozac, Luvox, Paxil, Wellbutrin, Celexa, and Effexor. Also, various herbal or natural remedies should
be used with caution. Lastly, certain
foods, such as aged cheese, red wine, beef or chicken
liver, yeast extracts, and sauerkraut may interact with selegiline as they
contain a substance called tyramine.
Excessive tyramine can lead to increases in blood pressure
(hypertension) that can be fatal.
Side Effects
Not
everyone experiences side effects. When
they do occur, they may be mild, moderate or severe. Some side effects cannot be felt by the patient but can be found
through laboratory tests, so it is important to see your study clinician
regularly for checkups so that side effects can be detected early and treated.
The
reported side effects associated with Selegiline include: hypotension (low
blood pressure), hypertension (high blood pressure), dry mouth, gas, diarrhea,
constipation, abnormal dreams, dizziness, sleepiness, and skin irritation where
patch has been placed.
If you experience
any of the following symptoms, you should contact your study clinician
immediately:
Hypotension: lightheadedness, faintness, blurred vision, weakness, unsteadiness, nausea
Hypertension: headache at the base of the of the neck (occipital headache), neck stiffness or soreness, nausea, vomiting, sweating, light sensitivity, tight throat or chest pain, changes in heart rhythm (heart is beating fast or slow)