Equfina tablets 50 mg for Parkinson’s disease (safinamide mesylate, Xadago)

General information on Japanese Equfina tablets 50 mg for Parkinson’s disease (safinamide mesylate, Xadago)

Package details: 100 tablets

Manufacturer: Eisai Co., Ltd., Japan

Active ingredient: safinamide mesylate (chemical formula C18H23FN2O5S)

Medical effect: Equfina tablets are effective for the improvement of wearing-off phenomenon in patients with Parkinson’s disease under treatment with a drug containing levodopa.

Contraindications and precautions: do not use for the following categories of patients:

• pregnant, possibly pregnant or breastfeeding women,
• patients with liver dysfunction,
• patients with a history of retina-related disease,
• patients with albinism,
• patients who cannot intake levodopa.

As this medicine may cause somnolence or drowsiness, avoid driving a car or operating dangerous mechanisms while taking this medicine.

This medicine may cause orthostatic hypotension or hypotension. If you feel such symptoms as dizziness on standing up or light headedness, consult with your doctor.

If the patient shows such symptoms as sudden increases in sexual desire or appetite, repetitive, excessive, unplanned shopping or repetitive gambling, consult with the doctor as the impulse control disorders may occur.

If an allergic reaction occurs, stop taking the medicine and consult with your doctor. If you’re taking any other medication, please consult with your doctor before use.

Dosage and administration of Equfina tablets 50 mg for Parkinson’s disease (safinamide mesylate, Xadago)

This medicine should be used concomitantly with levodopa-containing preparations. For adults, take 1 tablet (50 mg of active ingredient) at a time, once a day. The consulting doctor may increase the dosage to 100 mg at a time, once a day, according to the symptoms.

How effective are Equfina tablets 50 mg from Japan for Parkinson’s disease (safinamide mesylate, Xadago)?

Equfina tablets increase dopamine level by suppressing dopamine degradation in the brain. Safinamide mesylate works through selective inhibitory effect on monoamine oxidase type B (MAO-B). But unlike other inhibitors, like selegiline or rasagiline, its action is reversible. Also, Equfina tablets inhibit glutamate release and dopamine and serotonin reuptake. And this medicine it blocks sodium and calcium channels.

Who should take Equfina tablets 50 mg from Japan?

Japanese Equfina tablets are effective for the improving of wearing-off phenomenon in patients with Parkinson’s disease under treatment with a drug containing levodopa. Clinical trials in Japan proved that after 52 weeks of treatment with Equfina tablets the levodopa’s duration of effect (“on” time) extends for one hour or more and the motor functions significantly improve (M. Koebisu, T. Ishida. “Safinamide Mesilate (Equfina ® TABLETS 50 mg): preclinical and clinical pharmacodynamics, efficacy, and safety” (Article in Japanese language). Nihon Yakurigaku Zasshi. 2020, 155(4): 269-276).