Safinamide

Dosage Forms Available

• Safinamide is available for oral administration in the form of film-coated tablets.

Age and Dose Restrictions

• Safinamide is primarily meant for adults of age above 18 years.

Contraindications

• Safinamide is contraindicated in individuals with severe hepatic impairment. It is also contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to Safinamide. The concurrent use of Safinamide with other monoamine oxidase (MAOIs) inhibitors is contraindicated.

Other Medications to Avoid

• Safinamide may interact with MAO inhibitors (such as selegiline and rasagiline), serotonergic medicines (like citalopram and duloxetine), dopaminergic medications (such as levodopa), and strong CYP3A4 inducers and inhibitors (including rifampin, carbamazepine, and ketoconazole).
• These interactions can affect the efficacy and safety of safinamide, so it is important to manage these medications carefully under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

Overdose and Missed Dose

• An overdose of Safinamide may lead to adverse reactions like dyskinesia, psychosis, and transient increases in liver enzymes. If you observe any of these symptoms, inform your doctor immediately.
• If you forget to take a dose of Safinamide, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular dosing schedule.

Management of Side Effects

Most side effects are temporary and generally harmless and resolve when discontinuing this medicine. However, if you experience any severe side effects or worsening of any of the symptoms, please consult your doctor.

• Drinking plenty of water can help manage side effects like nausea.
• Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation may help to manage insomnia.
• Sit or lie down immediately if you feel dizzy to avoid falls.

Use in Driving and Operating Machinery

• Safinamide may cause dizziness and somnolence. Thus, it is advised to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the medicine affects you.

Use in Pregnancy and Lactation

• The use of Safinamide during pregnancy is not advised unless recommended by your doctor.
• Breastfeeding mothers should consult their doctor before using this medication.

Caution in Other Conditions

• Patients with renal impairment should exercise caution when taking Safinamide as the safety and efficacy in this population are not known.

Special Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations

• Regularly monitoring blood pressure can help manage hypertension, which could potentially be exacerbated by Safinamide.
• Regular eye check-ups could help monitor retinal health.
• Monitoring one's behaviour for signs of impulse control disorders such as compulsive gambling, shopping, eating can be beneficial as dopaminergic therapies, including Safinamide, may induce such disorders. Consulting a doctor may be necessary in these cases.