At the end of this month, Schwarz Pharma, a subsidiary of UCB group, will recall Neupro (rotigotine transdermal system) due to the formation of crystals in the patches. According to the company, when crystals form, there is less drug available to be absorbed and efficacy of the product may be affected. Patients must first be gradually down-titrated from the patch (their dose reduced by 2 mg/24 hours with a dose reduction every other day). Patients should not abruptly discontinue therapy due to the possibility of a neuroleptic malignant syndrome or akinetic crisis that can occur with abrupt withdrawal of dopamine agonists. Following the recall, rotigotine patches will no longer be available in the United States. UCB Medical Information can be reached at 1-(800)-477-7877.

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