Safely Buy Emsam Patch ( Selegiline ) from Canada Prescriptions Plus.

Indications

The Emsam patch is a prescription medication used to treat major depressive disorder in adults and adolescents who are at least 12 years old. It is a unique medication in that it is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) and is the only antidepressant that utilizes a transdermal delivery system.

The Emsam patch contains the active ingredient selegiline, which is absorbed into the bloodstream through the skin.

Use and Dosage

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using selegiline and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Follow the package instructions for using this medication. Make sure you understand how to apply a new patch and dispose of the used product. Do not cut the patch into smaller sizes. Do not use the patch if it appears broken, cut, or damaged. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Before applying the patch, wash the area you will be using for the patch gently and thoroughly with soap and water. Rinse and dry with a clean dry towel. Do not apply the patch to hairy/oily/red/cut/irritated/broken scarred/calloused skin. Remove the patch from the foil pouch and apply as directed by the manufacturer. Apply one patch to an area of clean dry skin on the upper body (torso), upper thigh, or on the outside of the upper arm where it will not be rubbed by tight clothing. Change the patch daily at about the same time each day. Apply the patch to a different area of your body each time to avoid irritation. If your patch falls off, apply a new patch to a new area and continue your same schedule.

Be sure to remove the old patch, fold it in half so it sticks to itself, and throw it away out of the reach of children and pets. Do not touch the sticky side with your fingers. Wash your hands with soap and water after handling the patch.

To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may start you at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Once your condition improves and you are better for a while, your doctor may work with you to reduce your regular dose. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. Do not apply more patches or leave the patch on for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster and your risk of side effects will increase.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day. It may take several weeks for the full benefits of this medication to be noticed. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor.

Inform your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Emsam: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as mood or behaviour changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Remove the skin patch and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of dangerously high blood pressure: sudden and severe headache, confusion, vision problems, chest pain, pounding in your neck or ears, sweating, vomiting, neck stiffness, fast or slow heartbeats, or dilated pupils.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• Sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body)
• Problems with speech or balance
• Manic episodes–racing thoughts, increased energy, unusual risk-taking behavior, extreme happiness, or being irritable or talkative

Remove the patch and seek medical attention right away if you have symptoms of serotonin syndrome, such as agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, shivering, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Common Emsam side effects may include:

• Redness or itching where the patch is worn
• Headache
• Diarrhea, upset stomach, or dry mouth
• Sleep problems (insomnia)
• Rash
• Sinus pain or stuffy nose

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur.

Cautions

Before using selegiline, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: a certain kind of adrenal gland tumour (pheochromocytoma), cerebrovascular disease (such as stroke), heart problems (such as congestive heart failure, heart attack), personal or family history of high blood pressure, history of severe/frequent headaches, personal/family history of mental/mood disorders (such as bipolar disorder, depression, schizophrenia), liver problems, certain nervous system diseases (Parkinson’s syndrome, seizures), overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), personal or family history of glaucoma (angle-closure type).

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

Avoid exposing your skin to direct heat sources such as heating pads, electric blankets, heat lamps, saunas, hot tubs, heated water beds, or prolonged direct sunlight while wearing your selegiline patch. Heat sources may cause more drugs to be released into your body, increasing the chance of side effects.

If you are going to have an MRI test, tell testing personnel that you are using this patch. Some patches may contain metals that can cause serious burns during an MRI. Ask your doctor whether you will need to remove your patch before the test and apply a new patch afterward, and how to do so properly.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist you are on this medication. You may need to stop using this drug beforehand. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially the effects on blood pressure.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

Since untreated mental/mood problems (such as depression) can be a serious condition, do not stop taking this medication unless directed by your doctor. If you are planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, immediately discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medication during pregnancy.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not recommended while using this drug and for 5 days after the last dose. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Form and Strengths

Emsam Patch is available in the following form and strengths:

• Emsam Patch:
  • 6 mg
  • 12 mg

FAQ

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply a skin patch as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra patches to make up for the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention. Overdose symptoms may occur up to 12 hours after the overdose and could get worse over the next 24 to 48 hours.

Overdose symptoms may include severe headache, hallucinations, fever, cold or clammy skin, fast or irregular heart rate, trouble breathing, feeling agitated or irritable, twisting muscle movements, unusual arching in your back or neck, fainting, or seizure.

What should I avoid while using Emsam?

Avoid drinking alcohol while you are using Emsam.

While using the 9-mg or 12-mg patches, and for 14 days after you stop, you must NOT eat foods that are high in tyramine, including:

• Air-dried meats, aged or fermented meats, sausage, or salami (including cacciatore and mortadella), pickled herring, and any spoiled or improperly stored beef, poultry, fish, or liver;
• Beer from a tap, beer that has not been pasteurized
• Aged cheeses (such as blue, Swiss, cheddar, Parmesan, or Romano cheese)
• Over-the-counter supplements or cough and cold medicines that contain tyramine
• Sauerkraut, soybeans, soy sauce, tofu, fava beans
• Yeast extracts (such as Marmite)

Eating tyramine while you are using selegiline can raise your blood pressure to dangerous levels which could cause life-threatening side effects. You should become very familiar with the list of foods to avoid while you are using Emsam 9-mg or 12-mg patches.

This medicine may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Resources:

1. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-95354/emsam-transdermal/details
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4200016/
3. https://www.drugs.com/emsam.html#side-effects