Description

What is Xadago (safinamide) for?

Xadago (safinamide) is a monoamine oxidase type B (MAO-B) inhibitor, indicated as adjunctive treatment to levodopa/carbidopa in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) experiencing “off” episodes².

How does Xadago (safinamide) work?

Parkinson’s disease develops when neurons (brain cells) in a particular part of the brain stop working properly and are lost over time. These neurons produce an important chemical called dopamine. Dopamine is used by the brain to send messages across brain areas to help control movement. Eventually, the brain cannot make enough dopamine to control the movement properly. There is currently no cure for Parkinson’s Disease. Existing treatments aim to help patients manage symptoms⁴.

The active substance in Xadago – safinamide – blocks the enzyme MAO-B which breaks down dopamine, thereby helping to restore dopamine levels in the brain and improving the patient’s symptoms⁵.

Where has Xadago (safinamide) been approved?

Xadago (safinamide) was approved as adjunctive treatment to levodopa/carbidopa in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) experiencing “off” episodes by:

• Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA, March 21, 2017¹

• Medical Agency (EMA), European Union, February 24, 2017⁵.

Please note that this medicine may have also been approved in other regions than the ones we’ve listed. If you have a question about its approval in a specific country feel free to contact our support team.

How is Xadago (safinamide) taken?

The standard dosage is^2,3:

• Start dose: 50 mg once daily at the same time of day

• After two weeks, the dose may be increased to 100 mg once daily, based on individual’s need and tolerability

Warning: Do not exceed 50 mg once daily in patients with moderate hepatic impairment; this medicine is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment.

Complete information about Xadago (safinamide) dosage and administration can be found in the official prescribing information listed in our resources section^2,3.

Note: Please consult with your treating doctor for personalised dosing.

Are there any known side effects of Xadago (safinamide)?

Common side effects

The most common side effects listed in the prescribing information include^2,3:

• insomnia

• dyskinesia (difficulty controlling movement)

• somnolence

• dizziness

• nausea.

Serious side effects

Safinamide must not be used in patients with severe liver problems, in patients treated with pethidine or other MAO inhibiting medicines^2,3.