Brand: Northera
Generic: Droxidopa
Northera is used for the management of neurogenic orthostatic hypotension which is characterized by lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting that is caused by primary autonomic failure for diseases such as Parkinson's disease, multiple-system atrophy, and pure autonomic failure.
This disease is characterized by dopamine beta-hydroxylase deficiency and non-diabetic autonomic neuropathy. This medicine is only prescribed by a medical doctor before it can be used.
Your doctor will inform you of what you need to know before using Northera. A decision on the risk to use the medicine needs to be made by you and your medical doctor. The risk for using the medicine needs to be weighed against the potential for use of the medicine.
However, other factors need to be considered. Allergies must be checked before using this medicine or any other medicines. Similarly, inform your doctor if you have any other form of medical allergies to food, dyes, preservatives or animals and their products. In the case of non-prescription products, read the manuals or labels in the package for information concerning the medicine.
On the effects of the medicine on pediatric populations, no age-related studies have been performed on the effect of Droxidopa. Safety and efficacy have also not been performed.
On the other hand, geriatric studies performed have also not established geriatric factors that limit the usefulness of use of Droxidopa among the elderly. Adverse effects with the use of Droxidopa have been demonstrated.
However, no adequate studies have been done on women or animal models. On the other hand, studies on the effect of Droxidopa on breastfeeding women and the risk exposure for infant have also not been determined. The potential benefits against the potential risks need to be weighed before breastfeeding.
It is possible for drug interactions to occur when two different drugs are used together. In other cases, even with two different medicines even with an interaction, they may be used even when the interaction may occur.
However, the doctor may want to change the dose or other precautions may be applied when taking the medicine. It is also important that your healthcare professional are aware that you are using any of the medicines are listed below.
Several other interactions may be selected on the basis of their potential for significance. It has been established that the use this medicines may present an increased risk of certain side effects.
Use of this medicine may increase the use effects and use of both medicines may be the best treatment for use. If both medicines are prescribed together, the dose may be changed and how often the medicines may be used will be subject to the advice of the doctors such as with Cardidopa.
Other interactions have also been suggested, in this case, they are not supposed to be used at or around the time of eating or eating certain types of food. This will allow for interactions to occur.
Use of these medicines in combination with alcohol or tobacco and certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Always discuss with your healthcare doctor on the use of your medicine with food, tobacco or alcohol.
Other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Always inform your doctor in case of any medical problems, such as allergy to aspirin or asthma. Droxidopa contains an ingredient called tartrazine which is a chemical that may make this condition worse.
Congestive heart failure or heart or blood vessel problems such as ischemic heart disease or heart rhythm problems such as arrhymia or supine hypertension. This may make this condition worse.
To use Northera properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor. Never take less or more of the medicine than recommended by the medical doctor.
Doing so will increase the chance of the side effects. Always take the medicine at the same time every day consistently with or without food. Swallow the capsule whole and do not crush, break or chew it.
The dose of this medicine varies from one patient to another. Always follow the doctor instructions or the instructions provided on the label. The information provided in the label is always an average dose of the medicine.
When the dose is different, never change the dose unless your doctor advises you otherwise. The amount of the medicine that is taken relies on the strength of the medicine, a number of doses to be taken every day, the time allowed between doses, and length of time the medicines has to be administered. Capsules are administered orally for the management of neurogenic orthostatic hypotension.
In adults, about 100 mg administered three times a day in the morning, noon and late afternoon, about 3 hours before bedtime. The dose may, however, be adjusted by the medical doctor as required. The dose, however, need not be more than 600mg three times a day.
In children, the dose is usually determined by the medical doctor. In the case of missed doses, skip the missed dose and go back to the regular dosing schedule. Never double the dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature and away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep the room from freezing and out of reach of children.
Never store out date medicine or medicine no longer required. Ask your healthcare profession how one can dispose of any of the medicines that you do not use.
Before using Northera, there are some precautions you must take. Regular medical checkups are important during the medical visits for assessment of the working of the medicine and unwanted effects caused by the medicine. It is recommended that one needs to check for blood pressure before, during and after use of the droxidopa.
The medicine may increase the risk of having supine hypertension which may lead to stroke or heart attack. Your doctor may also ask you to have a rest or sleep in an upper body elevated position and monitor your blood pressure. In the case of a change in the blood pressure, inform your doctor immediately.
This medicine may cause confusion, fever, and worse of the heart or blood vessels problems. In case one is suffering from this condition, inform your medical doctor right away. If no improvement is noted within a period of 2 weeks or it becomes worse.
Check with your medical doctor. Do not use other medicines unless advised by your medical doctor. This may be prescription, non-prescription, herbal or supplements.
If you notice any side effects of Northera, immediately make an appointment with your doctor.
More common side effects may include:
One may also feel:
Some of the side effects may occur and may not require medical attention. The side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine.
A medical doctor may also inform you on better ways to prevent or reduce some of the side effects. In case some of the side effects may persist or become bothersome.
In the case of such, please inform your medical doctor. More common side effects may include a headache and nausea. Other side effects not listed may occur in some patients.
In the case of this side effects, kindly notify your healthcare professional. Call your doctor for medical advice about the side effects or you may report directly to FDA through the direct line 1-800-FDA-1088
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