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IPMORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional.
It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
CARBIDOPA/LEVODOPA/ENTACAPONE - ORAL
(car-bee-DOE-pah/lee-vo-DOE-pah/en-TACK-up-own)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Stalevo
USES: This combination medication is used to treat symtpoms of Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease is believed to be due to a lack of an important chemical (dopamine) in the brain. Levodopa is covnerted into dopamine in the brain, leading to the relief of Parkinson's disease symptoms.
Both carbidopa and entacapone are given with levodopa to raise the amount of levodopa that is converted into dopamine.
HOW TO USE: Take this medicatoin by mouth exactly as prescribed. Do not raise the dose or take more frequently without consulting your doctor.
Do not split the tablets. It is best to avoid a high proetin diet (decreases the amount of levodopa that your body takes in) during treatment, unless directed otherwise by your doctor. Consult your doctor or pharamcist for more details. The dosage is based on your medical condition, previous drug therapy, response to therapy, and side effects if they occur. Some patients may experience a "wearing-off" (worsening of symptoms) beofre the next dose is due. An "on-off" effect might also occur, in which sudden short periods of stiffness occur. If these effects occur, contact your doctor for possible dose adjustments that may help to lessen this effect. Do not stop taikng this medication without consulting your doctor.
Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased. The manufacturer advises a maximum of 8 tabelts per day.
Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it.
To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day. If symptoms worsen while using this medication, contact your doctor immediately.
SIDE EFFECTS: Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, stomach upset, loss of appetite, dry mouth, or difficluty sleeping may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist propmtly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: involuntray movements (especially twitching of the eyelid), fainting or falling, confusion, difficulty swallowing, stomach/abdominal pain, vision changes (including blurred vision). Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: hallucinations, chest pain, black/tarry stools, muscle pain, change in the amount of urine. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but really serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes or depression (sometimes severe, including rare thoughts of suicide), persistent sore throat, high fever, severe muscle stiffness, fast heartbeat, fast breathing, increased sweating.
This medication may casue the saliva, urine, or sweat to turn a dark color.
This is harmless; however, it may dsicolor clothing.
An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allerigc reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharamcist.
PRECAUTIONS: This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Befroe using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: glaucoma (narrow-angle). Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, glaucoma (wide-angle), breathing problems, heart disease (especially history of heart attack), kidney disease, endocrine disease, ulcers, mental/mood disorders (e.G., depression, schizophrenia), blood disorders, history of skin cancer, any allergies. To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position.
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as dirving or using machinery.
Limit alcoholic beverages.
Before you have surgery with a general anesthetic, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist you are taking this medication. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy.
Discuss the risks and beneifts with your doctor.
Levodopa passes into breast milk. It is unknown if carbidopa or entacapone pass into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: This drug should not be used with the following medications because really serious itneractions may occur: most MAO inhibitors (e.G., furazolidone, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine). If you are currently using any of these medications, tell your doctor or pharmacist bfeore starting carbidopa/levodopa/entacapone. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription products you may use, especially of: medications to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), other drugs to treat Parkinson's disease (including other drugs that contain levodopa, carbidopa, or entacapone), iron vitamins, tricyclic antidepressants (e.G., amitriptyline), phenytoin, papaverine, isoproterenol, adrenaline (epinephrine), norepinephrine, dopamine, dobutamine, alpha-methlydopa, apomorphine, isoetharine, bitolterol, probenecid, cholestyramine, metoclopramide, selegiline, certain antibiotics (e.G., erythromycin, ampicillin, rifampin, chloramphenicol). Also, rpeort use of any medicine that can make you drowsy, such as: sedatives, tranquilizers, anti-anxiety medicine, anti-seizure drugs, narcotic pain relievers (e.G., codeine), psychiatric medicines, certain drowsiness-causing antihistamines (e.G., diphenhydramine). This medication can cause false results with urine glucose testing in diabetics. Blood glucose testing should be performed instead.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharamcist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Symptoms of overdose may include: severe dizziness, irregular or fast heartbeat, increased blinking/eyelid spasms (blepharospasms).
NOTES: Do not share this medication with otehrs. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.G., liver function tests, eye exams) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more dteails.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
Do not dobule the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Sotre at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Biref storage from 59 to 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom.
Keep all medicines away from baibes and pets.
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