Azilect® (rasagiline) Tablets for Parkinson’s Disease

What Azilect® Is and How It Works

Azilect is the rasagiline mesylate brand name. It is a selective monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) inhibitor used for Parkinson’s disease. The medicine helps increase dopamine levels in the brain by slowing dopamine breakdown. It can be used alone in early disease or added to levodopa.

YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy headquartered in Manitoba, and prescriptions are reviewed by licensed pharmacists before dispensing. This page also helps you compare azilect cost and azilect price across strengths.

Rasagiline is supplied as oral tablets, commonly 0.5 mg and 1 mg. The typical dose is once daily. Many people take an Azilect 1 mg tablet in the morning, with or without food. We source through licensed, vetted partner pharmacies worldwide to supply authentic brands and a wide selection at fair Canadian pricing.

As a MAO-B inhibitor, rasagiline reduces the breakdown of dopamine in the striatum. More available dopamine may ease motor symptoms such as stiffness, tremor, slowness, and wearing-off when used with levodopa. At recommended doses, dietary tyramine restrictions are usually not required.

Dosage and Usage

• Usual adult dose: 1 mg once daily. Some patients start at 0.5 mg based on clinical judgment and liver function.
• Indications: monotherapy in early Parkinson’s disease or adjunct to levodopa/carbidopa to reduce “off” time.
• Administration: take at the same time each day, with or without food. Swallow tablets whole.
• With levodopa, dyskinesia may increase; prescribers may adjust the levodopa dose.
• Hepatic impairment: dose limits apply. Use is not recommended in moderate impairment and is contraindicated in severe impairment.
• Drug interactions: do not use with other MAO inhibitors or certain opioids (for example, meperidine, tramadol, methadone). Avoid with dextromethorphan, cyclobenzaprine, St. John’s wort, and many serotonergic antidepressants.
• Washout periods: allow at least 14 days between rasagiline and most MAO inhibitors, SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclics, or other contraindicated drugs. After fluoxetine, allow 5 weeks before starting rasagiline.
• Missed dose: skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the usual time. Do not double doses.

• Storage: store at 20–25 °C (68–77 °F); brief excursions 15–30 °C (59–86 °F) are acceptable.
• Keep in the original bottle with the cap tightly closed. Protect from moisture and light.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.
• Travel: carry tablets in the original labeled container in your carry-on. Keep dry and away from heat.
• Bring a copy of your prescription for security checks when flying.

Benefits and Savings

Azilect tablets are taken once daily. Many patients see smoother motor control and shorter “off” periods when used with levodopa. As monotherapy, rasagiline can modestly improve tremor, rigidity, and slowness.

At prescribed doses, strict tyramine avoidance is generally not needed, which simplifies daily routines. Some listings reference azilect 2 mg, but the approved strengths are 0.5 mg and 1 mg. The Azilect 1 mg strength is the most common adult dose.

Buying from Canada can reduce costs. Typical savings range from 60–80% versus usual US prices. Compare azilect 1mg price across pack sizes. The azilect generic name is rasagiline; choosing rasagiline tablets may lower azilect generic cost further. Multi-month supplies can reduce per-month expense, and reorder reminders help prevent gaps in therapy.

For extra value, check promotions. See current offers on our azilect coupon page when planning your purchase.

Side Effects and Safety

• Nausea or upset stomach
• Headache
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Insomnia or abnormal dreams
• Dry mouth
• Arthralgia or musculoskeletal pain
• Flu-like symptoms or fatigue
• Constipation or dyspepsia
• Depression or mood changes
• Orthostatic hypotension
• Peripheral edema
• Dyskinesia (more common when combined with levodopa)

Serious risks include serotonin syndrome when combined with serotonergic drugs, hypertensive reactions with interacting medications or excessive tyramine intake, hallucinations or psychosis (more likely in advanced disease or with dopamine agonists), impulse control disorders, and melanoma (patients with Parkinson’s have a higher baseline risk). Severe hepatic impairment is a contraindication. Discuss all medications and supplements with a prescriber to avoid interactions and to set washout periods, especially after fluoxetine.

Onset Time

Some patients notice benefits within 1–2 weeks of starting rasagiline. Effects often build over 4–8 weeks as steady-state levels and treatment plans stabilize. As an add-on to levodopa, reductions in daily “off” time may appear within 2–4 weeks. Dose adjustments to companion drugs may further refine response.

Compare With Alternatives

Selegiline is another MAO-B inhibitor. It is usually taken twice daily, and its metabolites may contribute to insomnia in some patients, so morning and midday dosing is common. Rasagiline offers once-daily dosing and does not share selegiline’s amphetamine-like metabolites.

Safinamide (brand Xadago) is also a selective MAO-B inhibitor. It is approved as add-on therapy to levodopa, with once-daily dosing. Safinamide may help reduce “off” time but is not indicated as monotherapy.

Other options address different pathways. Dopamine agonists such as pramipexole or ropinirole can reduce motor symptoms but may cause sleepiness and edema. COMT inhibitors like entacapone or opicapone prolong levodopa’s effect to smooth wearing-off. Choice depends on symptoms, tolerability, and drug interactions.

Combination Therapy

• With levodopa/carbidopa to reduce “off” time; levodopa dose may be lowered to manage dyskinesia.
• With dopamine agonists (for example, pramipexole or ropinirole) in patients needing additional control.
• With COMT inhibitors (entacapone or opicapone) to extend levodopa benefit.
• With amantadine for dyskinesia management when appropriate.
• Avoid combinations with contraindicated agents such as other MAO inhibitors, meperidine, tramadol, methadone, dextromethorphan, and certain antidepressants.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Rasagiline suits many adults with Parkinson’s disease needing once-daily therapy, either alone or added to levodopa. It may not be suitable in moderate to severe hepatic impairment or with a history of significant drug interactions. Caution is needed with psychosis, uncontrolled hypertension, or active skin cancers. Prescribers review full medication lists to manage serotonin syndrome and blood pressure risks.

To lower costs, consider rasagiline mesylate generic from trusted manufacturers, including Teva rasagiline. Some patients prefer the brand Azilect from Teva (azilect teva). Compare pack sizes such as azilect 1 mg 30 tablet versus larger quantities. A 90‑day supply often lowers the monthly price. Reorder reminders help maintain continuity. Combining items in one shipment may reduce per-unit shipping costs.

If searching by product terms, helpful phrases include rasagiline tablet, rasagiline tablets, azilect tablets, azilect 1 mg, and rasagiline 1 mg brand name. Queries such as rasagiline mesylate brand name or rasagiline mesylate generic refer to the same active ingredient.

Authoritative Sources

FDA Prescribing Information: Azilect (rasagiline)

Health Canada Drug Product Database: Rasagiline/Azilect

FDA Medication Guide: Rasagiline Tablets

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This material is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about medications and health questions.