Question 1

What is Xadago?

Accepted Answer

Xadago is a medication classified as a monoamine oxidase type B (MAO-B) inhibitor. It functions by blocking the action of an enzyme that normally breaks down dopamine, a chemical in the brain that is essential for movement and coordination.

By preventing the breakdown of dopamine, the medication helps maintain higher levels of this chemical. This process supports the management of motor symptoms when used as a supplemental treatment.

Question 2

What is Xadago used for?

Accepted Answer

Xadago is used to treat Parkinson disease (as add-on to levodopa/carbidopa ).

Question 3

How does Xadago work?

Accepted Answer

Increasing Dopamine Levels

Xadago belongs to a class of medications known as monoamine oxidase type B (MAO-B) inhibitors. In the brain, dopamine is a natural chemical messenger responsible for controlling smooth and purposeful muscle movements. People with Parkinson's disease have lower levels of dopamine, which leads to tremors, stiffness, and difficulty moving.

How MAO-B Inhibition Works

The body uses an enzyme called monoamine oxidase type B to break down dopamine once it has finished its job. Xadago works by blocking this enzyme. By preventing the breakdown of dopamine, the medication allows the chemical to stay active in the brain for a longer period. This helps to improve motor function and reduce the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

Use with Other Medications

Xadago is specifically used as an add-on treatment for people already taking levodopa and carbidopa. It is intended for patients who are experiencing off episodes, which are times when their primary medications wear off and symptoms return before the next dose is due. By maintaining higher dopamine levels, Xadago helps extend the on time when symptoms are better controlled.

Question 4

What are the active ingredients in Xadago?

Accepted Answer

The active ingredient in Xadago is safinamide .

Question 5

What are the side effects of Xadago?

Accepted Answer

Common side effects of Xadago may include:

dyskinesia

nausea

insomnia

and others

Always consult with a healthcare professional about potential side effects.

Question 6

What drug class is Xadago?

Accepted Answer

Xadago belongs to the MAO-B inhibitor drug class.

Question 7

What is the dosage of Xadago and how do I take it?

Accepted Answer

How to Take Xadago

Xadago is taken by mouth as a tablet. It is typically taken once a day at the same time every day. You can take this medication with or without food.

Follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider exactly. Do not change your dose or stop taking the medication without consulting your doctor first, as stopping the medication suddenly may cause symptoms to return or worsen.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Xadago, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is nearly time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Question 8

Is Xadago safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Accepted Answer

Pregnancy

There is limited information regarding the use of Xadago in pregnant women. In animal studies, high doses of safinamide were associated with developmental toxicity, including physical malformations and reduced fetal weight. Because human data is lacking, it is not known if Xadago will cause harm to an unborn baby. Healthcare providers generally recommend using this medication during pregnancy only if the potential benefit to the mother outweighs the potential risk to the fetus.

Breastfeeding

It is not known whether Xadago is excreted in human breast milk, or what effects it may have on a nursing infant or milk production. Animal studies have demonstrated that safinamide is present in the milk of lactating rats. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in a breastfed child, breastfeeding is typically not recommended during treatment with Xadago. Patients should consult their doctor to weigh the benefits of breastfeeding against the clinical need for the medication.

Question 9

What forms and strengths does Xadago come in?

Accepted Answer

Xadago is supplied in the following form:

Oral Tablet: A film-coated tablet intended to be swallowed whole.

The medication is taken by mouth and can be administered with or without food.

Question 10

What is the FDA approval status of Xadago?

Accepted Answer

FDA Approval History

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Xadago (safinamide) on March 21, 2017. It was the first monoamine oxidase type B (MAO-B) inhibitor approved in the United States for Parkinson’s disease in over a decade.

Approved Indications

Xadago is indicated as an adjunctive (add-on) treatment to levodopa/carbidopa in patients with Parkinson’s disease experiencing "off" episodes. These episodes occur when the effects of standard Parkinson's medications wear off between doses, leading to a return of symptoms such as tremors or difficulty moving.

Regulatory Status and Safety

Xadago is not approved for use as a standalone treatment (monotherapy) for Parkinson's disease; it must be used in combination with levodopa/carbidopa. There are currently no boxed warnings or Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS) associated with this medication. The FDA has not issued any major safety communications or recalls for Xadago since its initial approval.

Question 11

What should I know about Xadago and cost?

Accepted Answer

Insurance and Pharmacy Factors

The price of Xadago can vary significantly based on your health insurance plan. Most insurance providers categorize medications into different cost tiers, which will determine your out-of-pocket co-pay or co-insurance. Many plans also require prior authorization, meaning your doctor must provide additional information to the insurance company before the drug is covered.

Xadago is currently available only as a brand-name medication. There is no generic version of safinamide available in the United States, which often results in higher costs compared to medications that have generic alternatives.

Financial Assistance

Several options may be available to help reduce the cost of Xadago:

Manufacturer Savings Cards: Patients with commercial or private insurance may be eligible for savings cards provided by the manufacturer to lower their monthly co-pay.

Patient Assistance Programs: These programs are often designed for individuals who are uninsured or have limited income, providing the medication at a reduced cost or for free.

To get the most accurate pricing information, it is best to contact your insurance company directly or speak with your pharmacist about available discounts and assistance programs.

Xadago

Medication Quick Facts

📋Overview

What It's Used For

How It Works

Side Effects

Warnings & Precautions

Dosage & How to Take

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Forms & Strengths

FDA / Regulatory Status

Price Information

FAQ

Found an Error?