• Assess for allergy to sulfite, may be more common in asthmatics.
• Assess frequently for drowsiness, a common side effect of rotigotine. Episodes of falling asleep during activities that require active participation may occur without warning. Patients may not acknowledge drowsiness unless directly questioned about drowsiness during specific activities. May occur as late as 1 year after initiation of therapy. Assess patient for concomitant medications that have sedating effects. May require discontinuation of therapy.
• Monitor BP, sitting and standing, periodically during therapy, especially during dose escalation. May also cause syncope.
• Assess for application site reactions (erythema, edema, pruritus). If persistent, (more than a few days), increasing in severity, or spreading outside application site, determine risk/benefit ratio. If generalized skin reaction (allergic macular-papular rash) occurs, discontinue rotigotine.
• Assess for hallucinations. May require discontinuation.
• Monitor for weight gain; usually associated with peripheral edema.
• Assess for development of new or increased gambling urges, sexual urges, or other urges during therapy.

Lab Test Considerations:

May cause ↓ hemoglobin and serum albumin and glucose levels.

• May cause ↑ BUN and GGT levels.