The brand name of the drug is EMSAM, which contains the active ingredient selegiline in base form. It is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressant delivered through a transdermal patch. EMSAM patches are available in strengths that deliver 6 mg, 9 mg, or 12 mg of selegiline over 24 hours. Inactive ingredients include acrylic adhesive, ethylene vinyl acetate/polyethylene, polyester, polyurethane, and silicone coated polyester.
How should I use this medication?
This medication is for external use only. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Remove the patch from the pouch by tearing at the notches on the sides of the pouch. Do not use scissors. Apply the patch to clean, dry, smooth skin on the upper back, upper chest, upper thigh, or to the outer part of the upper arm. Avoid applying to injured, irritated, calloused, or scarred areas. Use only 1 patch at a time. Do not cut or trim the patch. Ensure that the patch is flat against the skin. Be sure the edges are stuck to the skin surface. Remove the old patch before applying a new one. Each time you apply a new patch, use a new area of skin on the upper back, upper chest, upper thigh, or to the outer part of the upper arm. Do not apply to the exact same site. Do not use your medication more often than directed. Keep taking this medication unless your care team tells you to stop.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. It is not approved for use in children.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, apply only that dose. Do not apply double or extra doses.
Where should I keep my medication?
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep this medication in the protective pouch until you are ready to use it. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.
To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:
When you remove a used patch, fold with sticky sides together and put in an empty opened pouch. Immediately throw away in a container with a lid so that children and pets cannot reach it. Wash your hands.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
What may interact with this medication?
Do not take this medication with any of the following:
This medication may also interact with the following:
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. Because it may take several weeks to see the full effects of this medication, it is important to continue your treatment as prescribed by your care team. Do not suddenly stop taking this medication. You may develop a severe reaction. Your care team will tell you how much medication to take. If your care team wants you to stop the medication, the dose may be slowly lowered over time to avoid any side effects.
This medication may cause thoughts of suicide or depression. This includes sudden changes in mood, behaviors, or thoughts. These changes can happen at any time but are more common in the beginning of treatment or after a change in dose. Call your care team right away if you experience these thoughts or worsening depression.
If your care team increases the dose of this medication to more than 6 mg a day, ask about possible interactions with foods that contain tyramine because this medication may interact with these foods to produce severe headaches, a rise in blood pressure, or irregular heart beat. Continue to avoid tyramine-rich foods or beverages for 2 weeks after your care team reduces your medication to the 6 mg a day dose, or after you stop the 9 mg or 12 mg a day dose. If you start and continue the 6 mg dose, you do not need to make any diet changes.
This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.
Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your care team if the problem does not go away or is severe.
Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or allergies without asking your care team for advice. Do not take any medications for weight loss without advice either. Some ingredients in these products may increase possible side effects.
This medication may affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check with your care team before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medication.
If you are scheduled for any medical or dental procedure, tell your care team that you are taking this medication. This medication can interact with other medications used during surgery.
This medication patch is sensitive to certain body heat changes. If your skin gets too hot, more medication will come out of the patch. Call your care team if you get a fever. Do not take hot baths. Do not sunbathe. Do not use hot tubs, saunas, hairdryers, heating pads, electric blankets, heated waterbeds, or tanning lamps. Do not do exercise that increases your body temperature.
What are the most serious risks of this medication?
This medication may increase thoughts of suicide. This may be more common in children, teenagers, and young adults. The risk may increase after first starting the medication and after dose changes. Talk to your care team right away if you have changes in mood and behavior or thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
Source: This information is sourced from Elsevier Inc.
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Prescription medications affect individuals differently, and what works for one person may not work for another. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed applies to your personal circumstances. Only a licensed healthcare provider can advise you on what is safe and effective for you.
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