Comtan (Entacapone) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 26, 2012

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Parkinson's Disease »

What is Parkinson's disease?

Parkinson's disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder and the most common movement disorder. It is characterized by progressive loss of muscle control, which leads to trembling of the limbs and head while at rest, stiffness, slowness, and impaired balance. As symptoms worsen, it may become difficult to walk, talk, and complete simple tasks.

The progression of Parkinson's disease and the degree of impairment vary from individual to individual. Many people with Parkinson's disease live long productive lives, whereas others become disabled much more quickly. Premature death is usually due to complications such as falling-related injuries or pneumonia.

In the United States, about 1 million people are affected by Parkinson's disease and worldwide about 5 million. Most individuals who develop Parkinson's disease are 60 years of age or older. Parkinson's disease occurs in approximately 1% of i...

Read the Parkinson's Disease article »

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Comtan Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking entacapone (Comtan)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to entacapone, or if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days.

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication. Before you take this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

low blood pressure; or
liver disease.

You may have increased sexual urges, unusual urges to gamble, or other intense urges while taking entacapone. It is not known whether the medicine actually causes this effect. Talk with your doctor if you believe you have any intense or unusual urges while taking entacapone.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether entacapone is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether entacapone passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not take entacapone without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Entacapone may cause hallucinations (the sensation of hearing or seeing something that is not there), most commonly among elderly people. Call your doctor if you experience hallucinations.

Some people taking medicines for Parkinson's disease have developed skin cancer (melanoma). However, people with Parkinson's disease may have a higher risk than most people for developing melanoma. Talk to your doctor about your specific risk and what skin symptoms to watch for. You may need to have regular skin exams.

How should I take entacapone (Comtan)?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Entacapone must be taken together with carbidopa and levodopa. Entacapone used alone will not treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

Entacapone can be taken with or without food. Taking the medicine with food may help prevent nausea, which is a common side effect of entacapone.

Do not stop using entacapone without first talking to your doctor. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.

Store entacapone at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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