Stalevo (Carbidopa, Levodopa and Entacapone) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

Pill Identifier Search

May 27, 2012

Stalevo

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 »

« Previous
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Next »

Stalevo User Reviews >>

Stalevo

Parkinson's Disease Slideshow Pictures

Dementia Slideshow Pictures

Take the Parkinson's Quiz

font size

Stalevo Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking carbidopa, entacapone, and levodopa?

Do not take this medication if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the past 14 days.

You should not take this medication if you are allergic to carbidopa (Lodosyn), entacapone (Comtan), or levodopa (Larodopa), or if you have:

narrow-angle glaucoma;
unusual skin lesions that have not been checked by a doctor; or
a history of malignant melanoma (skin cancer).

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take carbidopa, entacapone, and levodopa:

heart disease, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, a heart rhythm disorder, or a prior heart attack;
asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other breathing disorder;
liver disease or bile duct obstruction;
kidney disease;
an endocrine (hormonal) disease;
a stomach or intestinal ulcer;
glaucoma; or
depression or other mental illness.

You may have increased sexual urges, unusual urges to gamble, or other intense urges while taking carbidopa, entacapone, and levodopa. 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 carbidopa, entacapone, and levodopa.

Carbidopa, entacapone, and levodopa may cause hallucinations (the sensation of hearing or seeing something that is not there). 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.

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

Carbidopa, entacapone, and levodopa may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take carbidopa, entacapone, and levodopa?

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

Take your medicine at regular intervals to keep a steady amount of the drug in your body at all times.

It may take up to several weeks of using carbidopa, entacapone, and levodopa before your symptoms improve. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after a few weeks of treatment. Also tell your doctor if the effects of this medication seem to wear off quickly in between doses.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition and not causing harmful side effects, your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

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

This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using carbidopa, entacapone, and levodopa.

Store carbidopa, entacapone, and levodopa at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Related Drug Centers