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Rotigotine Transdermal Patch: A Review in Restless Legs Syndrome

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Abstract

Rotigotine transdermal patch (Leganto®, Neupro®) is indicated for the treatment of restless legs syndrome (RLS); this article reviews the pharmacological properties of rotigotine transdermal patch and its clinical efficacy and tolerability in patients with RLS. The transdermal patch allows for a continuous, stable release of rotigotine (avoiding first-pass metabolism), which in turn leads to continuous receptor stimulation, believed to closely mimic physiological striatal dopamine receptor function. In short-term and 6-month studies, especially at the higher dosages of 2 and 3 mg/24 h, rotigotine transdermal patch was generally associated with a significantly greater improvement in IRLS total score and CGI-S total score than placebo, and rotigotine recipients were generally more likely to respond to treatment and enter remission. In noncomparative extension studies, efficacy was sustained for ≤5 years. Rotigotine transdermal patch is generally well tolerated, and appears to have a tolerability profile that is similar to that of other non-ergolinic dopamine-receptor agonists. The most common adverse events in clinical trials included application-site reactions, nausea, headache and asthenic conditions. The drug has a relatively low risk of clinically significant augmentation of restless legs syndrome symptoms. In conclusion, rotigotine transdermal patch offers continuous administration of the drug in a daily treatment, and is a useful treatment option in patients with RLS.

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Acknowledgments

During the peer review process, the manufacturer of rotigotine was also offered an opportunity to review this article. Any changes resulting from comments received were made on the basis of scientific and editorial merit.

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  1. Springer, Private Bag 65901, Mairangi Bay, 0754, Auckland, New Zealand

    Karly P. Garnock-Jones

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  1. Karly P. Garnock-Jones
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Correspondence to Karly P. Garnock-Jones.

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Funding

The preparation of this review was not supported by any external funding.

Conflict of interest

Karly P. Garnock-Jones is a salaried employee of Adis/Springer, is responsible for the article content and declares no relevant conflicts of interest.

Additional information

The manuscript was reviewed by: S. de Biase, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medical Sciences, University of Udine Medical School, Udine, Italy; L. Ferini - Strambi, Department of Neurology, Sleep Disorders Center, Universita Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy; B.E. Tettenborn, Department of Neurology, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland.

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Garnock-Jones, K.P. Rotigotine Transdermal Patch: A Review in Restless Legs Syndrome. Drugs 76, 1031–1040 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40265-016-0601-4

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