Xadago (safinamide) is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease in adults. Xadago comes as an oral tablet that’s typically taken once per day.

Xadago is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat Parkinson’s disease in adults. It’s used in people who have symptoms in between their doses of carbidopa/levodopa.

Xadago belongs to a drug class called monoamine oxidase type B (MAO-B) inhibitors. Xadago is not available in a generic version.

Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Xadago, including its strengths and how to take the medication. For a comprehensive look at Xadago, see this article.

Note: This article describes typical dosages for Xadago provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking Xadago, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.

Below is information about Xadago’s recommended dosage.

Xadago form

Xadago comes as an oral tablet that you take by mouth.

Xadago strengths

Xadago comes in two strengths: 50 milligrams (mg) and 100 mg.

Typical dosages

Typically, your doctor will start by prescribing you a low dosage. Then they’ll adjust it over time to reach the amount that’s right for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly prescribed or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Dosage for Parkinson’s disease

If your doctor prescribes Xadago for Parkinson’s disease, your starting dose will likely be 50 mg. Typically, you’ll take this once per day. If you aren’t experiencing side effects after 2 weeks, your doctor may recommend increasing your dose to 100 mg once per day. This is the maximum dose of Xadago that’s recommended.

For more information about your specific dosage, talk with your doctor.

Long-term treatment

Xadago is meant to be taken as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Xadago is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.

Before you start taking Xadago, your doctor will discuss your treatment plan with you.

The Xadago dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:

  • side effects you may have with Xadago
  • the severity of liver disease you have
  • other medical conditions you have

Some drugs shouldn’t be taken with Xadago. Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you take and any health conditions you may have.

Xadago comes as an oral tablet that you swallow whole. Do not divide, crush, chew, or place the tablet in water. You may take your dose with or without food.

Xadago should be taken around the same time of day. This helps maintain a steady level of the drug in your body so Xadago can work effectively.

If you have trouble swallowing tablets, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELS AND CONTAINERS

Some pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.

If you’re having trouble opening medication bottles, ask your pharmacist about putting Xadago in an easy-open container. They also may recommend tools that can make it easier to open bottles.

If you miss a dose of Xadago, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next scheduled dose. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed one. If you’re not sure whether you should take a missed dose or skip it, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your bathroom mirror or bedside table. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.

It’s important that you don’t take more Xadago than your doctor prescribes. For some medications, taking more than the recommended amount may lead to harmful effects or overdose.

If you take more than the recommended amount of Xadago

Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much Xadago. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.

Below are some frequently asked questions about Xadago.

Is the dosage of Xadago similar to the dosage of Ongentys?

Yes, the forms and how often you take each drug are similar. Xadago comes as a tablet, while Ongentys (opicapone) is a capsule. Both drugs are taken by mouth once per day.

The dose in milligrams for each drug differs because they have different active ingredients. Your doctor will prescribe the drug and the dosage that’s right for you.

To learn more about how these drugs compare, talk with your doctor.

How long does it take for Xadago to start working?

Xadago starts to work after your first dose. Because of how the drug works, you likely won’t feel the drug working in your body. But your doctor will monitor you during treatment to check whether the drug is working to treat your condition.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about what to expect with Xadago treatment.

The dosages in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Xadago for you, they will prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes.

As with any drug, never change your dosage of Xadago without your doctor’s recommendation. If you have questions about the dosage of Xadago that’s best for you, talk with your doctor.

Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Xadago. These additional articles might be helpful:

  • More about Xadago: For information about other aspects of Xadago, refer to this article.
  • Side effects:To learn about side effects of Xadago, see the Xadago prescribing information.
  • Interactions: For details about what Xadago interacts with, see this article.
  • Details about Parkinson’s disease: For details about Parkinson’s disease, see our Parkinson’s disease hub.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.