Schwarz Pharma informed healthcare professionals and patients of the recall of Neupro, a transdermal delivery system worn on the skin and used to treat early stage Parkinson’s disease. The product is being recalled because of the formation of rotigotine crystals in the patches. When the drug crystallizes, less drug is available to be absorbed through the skin and the efficacy of the product may vary. Healthcare professionals should not initiate any new patients on Neupro and should begin to down-titrate all patients currently using the product per the guidelines in the product labeling. Patients should NOT abruptly discontinue therapy. Abrupt withdrawal of dopamine agonists has been associated with a syndrome resembling neuroleptic malignant syndrome or akinetic crises.

Read the complete 2008 MedWatch Safety Summary, including a link to the FDA's Drug Shortage Information Sheet regarding this issue at:  http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2008/safety08.htm#neupro

Update your subscriptions, modify your e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please contact support@govdelivery.com.

This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA).

GovDelivery, Inc. sending on behalf of U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) · 5600 Fishers Lane · Rockville MD 20857 · 800-439-1420