Emsam Patch (Selegiline)

Do’s

• Before starting the use of Emsam Patch, read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist and consult your healthcare provider if you have any questions.
• Follow the package instructions for using this medication, ensuring you understand how to apply a new patch and dispose of the used ones. 
• Prior to applying the patch, wash the area to be used with soap and water, ensuring it is clean, dry, and free from hair, oil, cuts, irritation, or scars.
• Apply the patch to the upper body, upper thigh, or outside of the upper arm, changing it daily at approximately the same time each day and using a different area on the body each time to avoid irritation. 
• If the patch falls off, apply a new one to a new area and continue on the same schedule. 
• When removing the old patch, fold it in half, dispose of it out of the reach of children and pets, and wash your hands with soap and water after handling the patch.
• To minimize the risk of side effects, your healthcare provider may start you at a low dose and gradually increase it. Once your condition improves, your healthcare provider may work with you to reduce your regular dose. Follow their instructions carefully
• Use Emsam Patch regularly at the same time each day to derive the most benefit from it. It may take several weeks for the full benefits of the medication to be noticed.
• Inform your healthcare provider if your condition lasts or worsens.

Don’ts

• Do not cut the patch into smaller sizes or use it if it appears broken, cut, or damaged.
• Do not apply more patches or leave the patch on for longer than prescribed.
• Do not stop using this patch without consulting your healthcare provider.

Common Side Effects:

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

Serious Side Effects:

• Problems with speech or balance
• Manic episodes, including racing thoughts, increased energy, unusual risk-taking behavior, extreme happiness, irritability, or talkativeness
• Symptoms of serotonin syndrome, such as agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, shivering, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. If you experience any unusual symptoms or side effects while using the Emsam Patch, seek medical attention and consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Emsam Patch should not be used if you have an adrenal gland tumor or if you are using certain other medicines. Many drugs can interact with selegiline, and some drugs should not be used together.

Some young people may experience thoughts about suicide when first using an antidepressant. Stay alert to changes in mood or symptoms and report any new or worsening symptoms to your healthcare provider.

Emsam Patch contains a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), and combined with a high tyramine diet, it may cause a hypertensive crisis, which can be a life-threatening condition. Certain foods and beverages should be avoided while using the patch to prevent this reaction.

Prior to starting Emsam Patch or another antidepressant, patients should be screened for a personal or family history of bipolar disorder, mania, or hypomania.

Patients should avoid exposing the Emsam Patch application site to external sources of direct heat, such as heating pads, electric blankets, heat lamps, saunas, hot tubs, heated water beds, and prolonged direct sunlight, as this may result in an increase in the amount of selegiline absorbed from the patch and produce elevated serum levels of selegiline.

This is not a complete list of warnings and precautions. Consult with a healthcare provider for personalized medical advice and treatment.