Skip to content
ppharmaranks
Menu

xadago

Xadago (Safinamide Mesylate) is a medication used to treat Parkinson Disease.

Safinamide Mesylate · by Mdd US

Not yet rated· sourced from the FDA label
Rated against independent regulatory sources·Last updated June 7, 2026·How we rate
Verified againstopenFDANIH DailyMedRxClass

Key facts

Active ingredient
Safinamide Mesylate
Form
Tablet
Strength
Safinamide Mesylate EQ 100MG Base · Safinamide Mesylate EQ 50MG Base
Type
Prescription (Rx)
Brand or generic
Brand-name
Manufacturer
Mdd US
FDA application
NDA207145

What is Xadago?

From the FDA label:XADAGO tablets contain safinamide, which is a MAO-B inhibitor, as the mesylate salt. Safinamide mesylate is (S)-2- [[4-[(3-fluorophenyl) methoxy]phenyl]methyl]aminopropanamide methanesulfonate (1:1) and its structural formula is below. The molecular formula of safinamide mesylate is C 17 H 19 FN 2 O 2 ∙CH 4 O 3 S and its molecular weight is 398.45. Safinamide mesylate is a white to off-white crystalline powder. Safinamide mesylate is freely soluble in water, methanol and dimethyl sulfoxide. Safinamide mesylate is sparingly soluble in ethanol and is practically insoluble in ethyl acetate. In aqueous buffers that span a pH range of 1.2 to 7.5, safinamide mesylate is highly soluble at pH 1.2 and 4.5, but shows low solubility (<0.4 mg/mL) at pH 6.8 and 7.5. XADAGO is available as 50 mg and 100 mg film-coated tablets for oral administration. Each XADAGO tablet contains 65.88 mg or 131.76 mg of safinamide mesylate, equivalent to 50 mg or 100 mg, respectively, of safinamide free base. The tablets also contain the following inactive ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, crospovidone, hypromellose, iron oxide (red), magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol 6000, potassium aluminum silicate, and titanium dioxide. Chemical Structure

How to use

Start with 50 mg administered orally once daily at the same time of day; after two weeks, the dose may be increased to 100 mg once daily, based on individual need and tolerability ( 2.1 ) Hepatic Impairment: Do not exceed 50 mg once daily in patients with moderate hepatic impairment; contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment ( 2.2 , 4 ) 2.1 Dosing Information The recommended starting dosage of XADAGO is 50 mg administered orally once daily (at the same time of day), without regard to meals. After two weeks, the dosage may be increased to 100 mg once daily, based on individual need and tolerability. Daily dosages of XADAGO above 100 mg have not been shown to provide additional benefit, and higher dosages increase the risk for adverse reactions. XADAGO has been shown to be effective only in combination with levodopa/carbidopa [see Indications and Usage (1) ] . If a dose is missed, the next dose should be taken at the same time the next day. XADAGO 100 mg should be tapered by decreasing the dose to 50 mg for one week before stopping [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] . 2.2 Dosing in Patients with Hepatic Impairment In patients with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B: 7-9), the maximum recommended dosage of XADAGO is 50 mg orally once daily. XADAGO is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C: 10-15) [see Use in Specific…

Side effects

The following serious adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of labeling: Hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Serotonin Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Falling Asleep During Activities of Daily Living [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Dyskinesia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Hallucinations / Psychotic Behavior [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Impulse Control / Compulsive Behaviors [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Withdrawal-Emergent Hyperpyrexia and Confusion [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Retinal Pathology [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] Most common adverse reactions (incidence on XADAGO 100 mg/day at least 2% greater than placebo) were dyskinesia, fall, nausea, and insomnia ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact MDD US Operations, LLC, at 1-888-492-3246 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions; therefore, adverse reactions observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to the incidence in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the incidence observed in clinical practice. Common Adverse Reactions in Placebo-Controlled PD Studies Table 1 shows the incidence of adverse reactions with an incidence of at least 2% on XADAGO 100…

Warnings

Important safety information

May cause or exacerbate hypertension ( 5.1 ) May cause serotonin syndrome when used with MAO inhibitors, antidepressants, or opioid drugs ( 5.2 ) May cause falling asleep during activities of daily living ( 5.3 ) May cause or exacerbate dyskinesia; consider levodopa dose reduction ( 5.4 ) May cause hallucinations and psychotic behavior ( 5.5 ) May cause problems with impulse control/compulsive behaviors ( 5.6 ) May cause withdrawal-emergent hyperpyrexia and confusion ( 5.7 ) 5.1 Hypertension XADAGO may cause hypertension or exacerbate existing hypertension. In clinical trials, the incidence of hypertension was 7% for XADAGO 50 mg, 5% for XADAGO 100 mg, and 4% for placebo. Monitor patients for new onset hypertension or hypertension that is not adequately controlled after starting XADAGO. Medication adjustment may be necessary if elevation of blood pressure is sustained. Monitor for hypertension if XADAGO is prescribed concomitantly with sympathomimetic medications, including prescription or nonprescription nasal, oral, and ophthalmic decongestants and cold remedies [see Drug Interactions (7.5) ] . XADAGO is a selective inhibitor of MAO-B at the recommended dosages of 50 mg or 100 mg daily. Selectivity for inhibiting MAO-B decreases above the recommended daily dosages [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) ] . Therefore, XADAGO should not be used at daily dosages exceeding those recommended because of the risks of hypertension, exacerbation of existing hypertension, or hypertensive crisis. Dietary tyramine restriction is not required during treatment with recommended doses of XADAGO. However, use with certain foods that contain very high amounts (i.e., more than 150 mg) of tyramine could cause severe hypertension, resulting from an increased sensitivity to tyramine in patients taking recommended dosages of XADAGO, and patients should be advised to avoid such foods. Isoniazid has some monoamine oxidase inhibiting activity. Monitor for hypertension and reaction to dietary tyramine in patients treated concomitantly with isoniazid and XADAGO [see Drug Interactions (7.1 , 7.6) ] . 5.2 Serotonin Syndrome The development of a potentially life-threatening serotonin syndrome has been reported in patients on concomitant treatment with MAOIs (including selective MAO-B inhibitors), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants, tetracyclic antidepressants, triazolopyridine antidepressants, cyclobenzaprine, opioid drugs (e.g., meperidine and meperidine derivatives, propoxyphene, tramadol), and methylphenidate, amphetamine, and their derivatives. Concomitant use of XADAGO with these drugs is contraindicated. In clinical trials, serotonin syndrome was reported in a patient treated with XADAGO and a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Use the lowest effective dose of SSRIs in patients treated with concomitant XADAGO. Serotonin syndrome symptoms may include mental status changes (e.g., agitation, hallucinations, delirium, and coma), autonomic instability (e.g., tachycardia, labile blood pressure, dizziness, diaphoresis, flushing, hyperthermia), neuromuscular symptoms (e.g., tremor, rigidity, myoclonus, hyperreflexia, incoordination), seizures, and/or gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea). 5.3 Falling Asleep During Activities of Daily Living Patients treated with dopaminergic medications have reported falling asleep while engaged in activities of daily living, including the operation of motor vehicles, which sometimes has resulted in accidents. Patients may not perceive warning signs, such as excessive drowsiness, or they may report feeling alert immediately prior to the event. In clinical studies, sleep attacks/sudden onset of sleep were reported in patients treated with XADAGO 100 mg/day. If a patient develops daytime sleepiness or episodes of falling asleep during activities that require full attention (e.g., driving a motor vehicle, conversations, eating), XADAGO should ordinarily be discontinued. If a decision is made to continue these patients on XADAGO, advise them to avoid driving and other potentially dangerous activities. 5.4 Dyskinesia XADAGO may cause dyskinesia or exacerbate pre-existing dyskinesia. In clinical trials, the incidence of dyskinesia was 21% for XADAGO 50 mg, 18% for XADAGO 100 mg, and 9% for placebo. There was a greater incidence of dyskinesia causing study discontinuation in patients treated with XADAGO 50 mg or 100 mg (1%), compared to placebo (0%) [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . Reducing the patient's daily levodopa dosage or the dosage of another dopaminergic drug may mitigate dyskinesia. 5.5 Hallucinations / Psychotic Behavior Patients with a major psychotic disorder should ordinarily not be treated with XADAGO because of the risk of exacerbating the psychosis with an increase in central dopaminergic tone. In addition, treatments for psychosis that antagonize the effects of dopaminergic medications may exacerbate the symptoms of PD [see Drug Interactions (7.7) ] . Consider dosage reduction or stopping the medication if a patient develops hallucinations or psychotic-like behaviors while taking XADAGO. 5.6 Impulse Control / Compulsive Behaviors Patients can experience intense urges to gamble, increased sexual urges, intense urges to spend money, binge eating, and/or other intense urges, and the inability to control these urges while taking one or more of the medications, including XADAGO, that increase central dopaminergic tone. In some cases, these urges were reported to have stopped when the dose was reduced or the medication was discontinued. Because patients may not recognize these behaviors as abnormal, it is important for prescribers to specifically ask patients or their caregivers about the development of new or increased gambling urges, sexual urges, uncontrolled spending or other urges while being treated with XADAGO. Consider dose reduction or stopping the medication if a patient develops such urges while taking XADAGO. 5.7 Withdrawal Emergent Hyperpyrexia and Confusion A symptom complex resembling neuroleptic malignant syndrome (characterized by elevated temperature, muscular rigidity, altered consciousness, and autonomic instability), with no other obvious etiology, has been reported in association with rapid dose reduction, withdrawal of, or changes in drugs that increase central dopaminergic tone. 5.8 Retinal Pathology Retinal degeneration and loss of photoreceptor cells were observed in albino and pigmented rats administered safinamide orally in toxicity studies of up to 6 months duration. In albino rats administered safinamide orally for two years, retinal scarring and cataracts were observed at all doses tested [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.2) ] . Periodically monitor patients for visual changes in patients with a history of retinal/macular degeneration, uveitis, inherited retinal conditions, family history of hereditary retinal disease, albinism, retinitis pigmentosa, or any active retinopathy (e.g., diabetic retinopathy).

Who should not take Xadago

XADAGO is contraindicated in patients with: Concomitant use of other drugs in the monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) class or other drugs that are potent inhibitors of monoamine oxidase, including linezolid. The combination may result in increased blood pressure, including hypertensive crisis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Drug Interactions (7.1) ] . Concomitant use of opioid drugs (e.g., meperidine and its derivatives, methadone, propoxyphene, or tramadol); serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic, tetracyclic, or triazolopyridine antidepressants; cyclobenzaprine; methylphenidate, amphetamine, and their derivatives; or St John's wort. Concomitant use could result in life-threatening serotonin syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Drug Interactions (7.2 , 7.3 , 7.5) ] . Concomitant use of dextromethorphan. The combination of MAOIs and dextromethorphan has been reported to cause episodes of psychosis or abnormal behavior [see Drug Interactions (7.4) ] . A history of a hypersensitivity to safinamide. Reactions have included swelling of the tongue and oral mucosa, and dyspnea. Severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C: 10-15) [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6) ] . XADAGO is contraindicated in patients with: Concomitant use of the following drugs: Other monoamine oxidase inhibitors or other drugs that are potent inhibitors of monoamine oxidase (e.g., linezolid) ( 4 , 7.1 ) Opioid drugs (e.g., tramadol, meperidine and related derivatives); serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors; tri-or tetra-cyclic or triazolopyridine antidepressants; cyclobenzaprine; methylphenidate, amphetamine, and their derivatives; St. John's wort ( 4 , 7.2 , 7.3 , 7.5 ) Dextromethorphan ( 4 , 7.4 ) A history of a hypersensitivity to safinamide ( 4 ) Severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C: 10-15) ( 4 )

Overdose — what happens if you take too much

There is no human experience with XADAGO overdose. There is no known antidote to XADAGO nor any specific treatment for XADAGO overdose. If an overdose occurs, XADAGO treatment should be discontinued and supportive treatment should be administered as clinically indicated. In cases of overdose with XADAGO, dietary tyramine restriction should be observed for several weeks. The Poison Control Center should be called at 1-800-222-1222 for the most current treatment guidelines.

U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.

Interactions

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors: Monitor patients for serotonin syndrome ( 7.3 ) Sympathomimetic Medications: Monitor patients for hypertension ( 7.5 ) Tyramine: Risk of severe hypertension ( 7.6 ) 7.1 MAO Inhibitors (MAOIs) XADAGO is contraindicated for use with other drugs in the MAOIs class or other drugs that are potent inhibitors of monoamine oxidase (e.g., linezolid, an oxazolidinone antibacterial, which also has reversible nonselective MAO inhibition activity). Co-administration increases the risk of nonselective MAO inhibition, which may lead to hypertensive crisis [see Contraindications (4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . At least 14 days should elapse between discontinuation of XADAGO and initiation of treatment with other MAOIs. Isoniazid has some monoamine oxidase inhibiting activity. Monitor for hypertension and reaction to dietary tyramine in patients treated concomitantly with isoniazid and XADAGO. 7.2 Opioid Drugs Because serious, sometimes fatal reactions have been precipitated with concomitant use of opioid drugs (e.g., meperidine and its derivatives, methadone, propoxyphene, or tramadol) and MAOIs, including selective MAO-B inhibitors, concomitant use of these drugs is contraindicated [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . At least 14 days should elapse between discontinuation of XADAGO and initiation of treatment with these drugs. 7.3 Serotonergic Drugs Concomitant use of XADAGO with SNRIs; triazolopyridine, tricyclic or tetracyclic antidepressants; cyclobenzaprine (a skeletal muscle relaxant that is a tricyclic antidepressant derivative); or St. John's wort is contraindicated [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . At least 14 days should elapse between discontinuation of XADAGO and initiation of treatment with these drugs. Monitor patients for symptoms of serotonin syndrome if SSRIs are used by patients treated with XADAGO [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . 7.4 Dextromethorphan The combination of MAOIs and dextromethorphan has been reported to cause episodes of psychosis or bizarre behavior. Therefore, in view of XADAGO's MAO inhibitory activity, dextromethorphan is contraindicated for use with XADAGO. 7.5 Sympathomimetic Medications Severe hypertensive reactions have followed the administration of sympathomimetics and nonselective MAOIs. Hypertensive crisis has been reported in patients taking the recommended doses of selective MAO-B inhibitors and sympathomimetic medications. Concomitant use of XADAGO with methylphenidate, amphetamine, and their derivatives is contraindicated [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1 , 5.2) ] . Monitor patients for hypertension if XADAGO is prescribed concomitantly with prescription or nonprescription sympathomimetic medications, including nasal, oral, or ophthalmic decongestants and cold remedies [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . 7.6 Tyramine MAO in the gastrointestinal tract and liver (primarily type A) provides protection from exogenous amines (e.g., tyramine). If tyramine were absorbed intact, it could lead to severe hypertension, including hypertensive crisis. Aged, fermented, cured, smoked, and pickled foods containing large amounts of exogenous amines (e.g., aged cheese, pickled herring) may cause release of norepinephrine resulting in a rise in blood pressure (Tyramine Reaction). Patients should be advised to avoid foods containing a large amount of tyramine while taking recommended doses of XADAGO [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Selectivity for inhibiting MAO-B decreases in a dose-related manner above the highest recommended daily dosage, which may increase the risk for hypertension [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) ] . In addition, isoniazid has some monoamine oxidase inhibiting activity. Monitor for hypertension and reaction to dietary tyramine in patients treated with isoniazid and XADAGO [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . 7.7 Dopaminergic Antagonists Dopamine antagonists, such as antipsychotics or metoclopramide, may decrease the effectiveness of XADAGO and exacerbate the symptoms of PD.

May treat (source: NIH RxClass)

Dosage forms

Tablet

The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.

Ways to save

Ask for the generic

Same active ingredient, far cheaper. Is there a generic? →

Request a 90-day supply

Bulk fills usually lower the per-dose price vs monthly refills.

Use copay cards

Manufacturer copay cards & patient-assistance programs — especially for brand drugs.

Compare alternatives

A same-class option may cost less. See alternatives →

Frequently asked questions

What does Xadago treat?
Xadago (Safinamide Mesylate) may be used to treat parkinson disease, based on NIH RxClass drug-classification data (conditions a drug may treat — not a verbatim copy of the FDA-approved label). This is general reference, not medical advice.
Is there a coupon or discount for Xadago?
pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Xadago. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
Who makes Xadago?
Xadago is marketed by Mdd US. You can see Mdd US's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
Is Xadago a brand-name or generic drug?
Xadago is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Safinamide Mesylate.
Is Xadago available over the counter?
No. Xadago is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
What forms does Xadago come in?
Xadago is currently marketed as tablet, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
Is Xadago FDA-registered?
Xadago is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA207145. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
Is Xadago safe?
There's no single safe-or-not verdict, and we don't yet have a composite recall-safety score for Xadago. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings below, and always consult a licensed professional.
What are the side effects of Xadago?
Xadago's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: The following serious adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of labeling: Hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Serotonin Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Falling Asleep During Activities of Daily Living [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Dy… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.

Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to write one.

Write a review

Reviews are user opinions, not medical advice. Consult a licensed professional.

People also viewed

Compare Xadago head-to-head

Identify a pill by its imprint →Check a drug interaction →Drug recalls →

Browse medications A–Z

Research products from A to Z, compare independent ratings, and find alternatives.