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Ropinirole


  • Ropinirole may cause dizziness during the first few days of treatment, especially when getting up from a sitting or lying position. Getting up slowly will help.
  • In rare cases some patients taking ropinirole have suddenly fallen asleep with little or no warning of tiredness. If you experience this you should avoid driving, operating machinery or other tasks where you need to be fully alert, and see your doctor as soon as possible.
  • Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be monitored.

About ropinirole

Type of medicine Dopamine receptor stimulant
Used for Parkinson's disease
Restless legs syndrome
Also called Adartrel®
Requip®, Requip® XL
Available as Tablets and modified release tablets (ropinirole is released slowly to give an even effect)

Ropinirole can be used to treat Parkinson's disease. The cause of Parkinson's disease is still unknown, but it results in there being less of a chemical in the brain called dopamine. This lack of dopamine causes the symptoms of Parkinsonism such as shaking, stiffness and loss of muscle control. Ropinirole encourages the release of dopamine, relieving these symptoms. It may be used alone or in combination with other medicines used to treat Parkinson's disease.

Ropinirole can also be used to treat restless legs syndrome. This is an uncomfortable feeling in the legs which is temporarily relieved by moving the legs. Symptoms come on when resting and are worse at the end of the day.

Before taking ropinirole

Before taking ropinirole make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from a heart or blood vessel disorder.
  • If you suffer from liver or kidney problems.
  • If you have ever suffered from mental health problems.
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take ropinirole

  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor. Swallow your dose with a small glass of water.
  • Take the immediate release tablets (e.g. Adartrel® and Requip®) after eating a meal. The modified release tablets (Requip® XL) can be taken either before or after meals.
  • Try to take ropinirole at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
  • If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up. If in doubt, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • As your condition improves and your body movements become easier, be careful not to overdo physical activities. Physical activities must be increased gradually to allow your body to adjust to changing balance, circulation and co-ordination. This is especially important in the elderly.
  • Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored.
  • Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first. Your dose will need to be reduced gradually.
  • If for any reason you haven't taken your medicine for a few days, speak to your doctor.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with ropinirole.

Can ropinirole cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Drowsiness, sleepiness, dizziness Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before driving, operating machinery, or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert
Dizziness or fainting, especially when getting up from a sitting or lying position Getting up slowly should help. If you begin to feel dizzy, lie down so that you do not faint, then sit for a few moments before standing
Feeling or being sick Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast. Drink plenty of liquids to replace any lost fluid
Constipation Eat a well balanced diet containing plenty of fibre and drink 6-8 glasses of water a day
Swollen legs and ankles, abdominal pain, indigestion, nervousness, tiredness, uncontrollable movements of the face or body, seeing or hearing things that are not real, or confusion. If any of these are troublesome, speak with your doctor

Important: If you experience falling asleep suddenly, avoid driving and see your doctor as soon as possible.

Important: Speak to your doctor if you notice any changes in your behaviour such as an increased desire to gamble or an increased sex drive.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store ropinirole

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • Manufacturer's PIL, Requip®, GlaxoSmithKline UK, electronic Medicines Compendium. Revised December 2006, accessed 18 March 2008.
  • Manufacturer's PIL, Adartrel®, GlaxoSmithKline UK, electronic Medicines Compendium. Revised June 2007, accessed 18 March 2008.
  • British National Formulary; 54th Edition (September 2007) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2008 DocID:
3708		 DocRef:
dils3689		 Last Updated:
3 Jun 2008		 Date of Next Review:
3 Jun 2010		 Version:
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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