“Hi I’m Dr. Donnica Moore. I’m excited to be a part of the Choose Your Move campaign because I want to help educate people about the true impact of Restless Legs Syndrome, or RLS, and encourage those with the condition to take action.
Unfortunately, RLS is often misunderstood, and many people don’t even consider it to be a serious medical condition. Unmanaged moderate-to-severe primary RLS can take a significant toll on those affected.
(Graphic – What does the public think about RLS?)
To better understand what people think about RLS, we took to the streets to hear what they’re saying about the condition and to clarify some misperceptions. Keep watching to learn more.”
(Graphic - What Does RLS stand for?)
Male MOS – “RLS? I have no idea.”
Male MOS – “A registered listing service.”
Male MOS – “Research lab scientist”
(Graphic - Have you heard of Restless Leg Syndrome?)
Female MOS – “I feel like surely that is something everyone has, restless leg something.”
Male MOS – “That’s just nervous energy.”
Male MOS – “I’ve never heard of it.”
(Graphic - What are the symptoms of RLS?)
Male MOS – “Your legs don’t work anymore, basically paralyzed from the waist below.”
Male MOS – “Bouncing your legs up and down.”
Female MOS – “I feel like it’s more of an anxiety because I know tend to jitter my legs when I’m very, very anxious.”
(Graphic - What parts of the body are affected by RLS symptoms?)
Male MOS – “From the glutes all the way down to the foot…toes.”
Female MOS – “Perhaps all the legs, um maybe your hips and your pelvic muscle.”
Male MOS – “Lower portion of your body. The waist down.”
(Graphic - What time of day are RLS symptoms a problem?)
Female MOS – “Specifically in the evening when you trying to sleep or trying to relax and your tired and you can’t.”
Male MOS – “I think at night when somebody’s trying to go to bed.”
Female MOS – “Probably night just because people are on their feet all day.”
Dr. Moore:
“RLS is a neurological disorder that causes people to experience unpleasant sensations in their limbs. The exact cause of RLS is unknown, but some research suggests that it may be caused by an imbalance of a chemical in the brain called dopamine, which helps regulate the body’s movement. The most common symptom is an uncomfortable sensation in the legs, often described as aching, itching, or tingling. Many people think that only the legs are affected by RLS, but these uncomfortable sensations can also occur in the feet, arms, torso, or head.
Graphic - Is RLS a real or serious medical condition?)
Male – “No it’s not serious.“
Female – “It doesn’t sound like a real problem.”
Male – “I’m wondering if it’s a real, something real.”
Female – “Not like serious, but like medical condition.”
Female MOS – “That sounds funny I mean restless leg? That’s silly.”
(Graphic – Can RLS symptoms be treated?)
Male MOS – “Anything can be cured with your body, mind over matter.”
Male MOS – “No I don’t think there are any treatments available.”
Female MOS – “Maybe Physical therapy PT, just learning how to stretch your muscles and your legs?”
(What types of Doctors treat RLS?)
Female MOS – “I would think it would be a leg doctor.”
Male MOS – “Maybe a brain chemistry doctor.”
Male MOS – “Or a psychologist, maybe it’s like more in your head?”
Dr. Moore:
“People with moderate-to-severe RLS – when symptoms occur two or more times a week – are often unable to concentrate, have impaired memory, or fail to accomplish daily tasks, and may require treatment. While there is no specific test to diagnose RLS, if a person is experiencing symptoms, they should talk to their doctor. If necessary, a primary care physician may also refer a patient to a neurologist or sleep specialist for further evaluation. The good news is that there are many treatment options available, including a prescription medicine approved by the FDA for moderate-to-severe primary RLS.”
(Graphic – Some final thoughts from Dr. Moore)
“As you can see, there are many misperceptions about the seriousness of RLS. I hope this video clears up some of the misunderstandings. Remember, if you’re experiencing RLS symptoms, choose your move and talk to your doctor, who can help you find the right treatment approach. That’s the first step in taking control of RLS.”
About Neupro® in the U.S.
Neupro® (Rotigotine Transdermal System) is indicated for the treatment of moderate-to-severe primary Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS). For more information about Neupro visit www.neupro.com.
Important Safety Information
Neupro® contains a sulfite called sodium metabisulfite. Sulfites can cause severe allergic reactions that are life threatening to some people who are sensitive to sulfites. People with asthma are more sensitive to sulfites. Remove the patch right away and call your doctor if you have swelling of the lips or tongue, chest pain, or trouble breathing or swallowing.
Neupro® may make you fall asleep suddenly or without warning while doing normal activities, such as driving, which may result in accidents. Tell your doctor right away if this happens. Drinking alcohol or taking other medicines that cause drowsiness may increase your chances of becoming sleepy while using Neupro®. Do not drive, use hazardous machinery, or do other dangerous activities until you know how Neupro® affects you.
Neupro® can cause decreases in blood pressure, especially when you start or increase your dose. Increases in blood pressure and heart rate, and fainting, also can occur. If you faint or feel dizzy, nauseated, or sweaty when you stand up from sitting or lying down, tell your doctor.
Some patients using Neupro® get urges to behave in a way that is unusual for them, such as unusual urges to gamble or increased sexual urges and behaviors. If you or your family notices you are developing any unusual behaviors, talk to your doctor.
Neupro® may cause Restless Legs Syndrome symptoms to come back (rebound), become worse, or start earlier in the day.
Skin reactions may occur at the site where you apply Neupro®. Tell your doctor if you get a rash, redness, swelling, or itching that will not go away.
Avoid exposing the Neupro® patch you are wearing to heating pads, electric blankets, heat lamps, saunas, hot tubs, heated water beds, and direct sunlight. Too much medicine could be absorbed into your body. Also, do not wear Neupro® during procedures called magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or cardioversion because this could cause skin burns.
Tell your doctor if you have breathing problems, a sleep disorder, mental problems, high or low blood pressure, or heart problems; are pregnant or plan to become pregnant; or are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Neupro® may not be right for you.
The most common side effects in people taking Neupro® for Restless Legs Syndrome are application site reactions, nausea, sleepiness, and headache.