NORTHERA ratings & reviews

Northera capsules contain droxidopa, a synthetic amino acid precursor of norepinephrine, for oral administration. These capsules are formulated in three dosage strengths: 100 mg, 200 mg, and 300 mg, with each capsule differing in size and color based on the strength. Key inactive ingredients in the capsules include mannitol, pregelatinised starch, and magnesium stearate. Northera is designed to address symptoms associated with low blood pressure.

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Take this medication when you wake up in the morning, at midday, and in the late afternoon at least 3 hours before bedtime. Do not cut, crush, or chew this medication. You can take this medication with or without food. You should always take it the same way. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

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, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

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:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• High fever, stiff muscles, increased sweating, fast or irregular heartbeat, and confusion, which may be signs of neuroleptic malignant syndrome
• Increase in blood pressure

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea

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:

• Heart disease
• History of irregular heartbeat
• An unusual or allergic reaction to droxidopa, tartrazine dye, aspirin, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Ergot alkaloids, such as dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Certain MAOIs, such as Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
• Certain medications for migraine headache, such as almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, zolmitriptan
• Certain medications used to treat colds, such as phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine
• Linezolid
• Stimulant medications for attention disorders, weight loss, or to stay awake

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. Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication. Check your blood pressure as directed. Know what your blood pressure should be when sitting and when standing and when to contact your care team.

When you rest and sleep, make sure that your upper body is elevated. Check your blood pressure regularly while in this position.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are taking this medication without asking your care team for advice. Some medications may increase your blood pressure.

What are the most serious risks of this medication?

This medicine can cause or worsen high blood pressure that occurs when laying down. Rest and sleep with your upper body elevated to decrease the risk of this happening. You should monitor your blood pressure while taking this medicine. If you notice your blood pressure is high, contact your health care provider.