Tasmar (Tolcapone) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 27, 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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Tasmar Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking tolcapone (Tasmar)?

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

Serious or fatal side effects on the liver have occurred in some people taking this medication. You may be required to read and sign a Patient Consent form before you get a prescription for tolcapone.

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to tolcapone, or if you have:

liver disease; or
if you have ever had muscle damage or fever and confusion caused by a medication.

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication. Before taking tolcapone, tell your doctor if you have:

low blood pressure; or
kidney disease.

You may have increased sexual urges, unusual urges to gamble, or other intense urges while taking tolcapone. 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 tolcapone.

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

Tolcapone 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 tolcapone (Tasmar)?

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.

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

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

Tolcapone is usually taken three times a day. Generally, the first dose is taken with your first daily dose of carbidopa and levodopa. The second and third doses of tolcapone are taken 6 and 12 hours later.

Take tolcapone with a full glass of water.

Tolcapone may be taken with or without food.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 3 weeks of using tolcapone.

Do not stop using tolcapone suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Talk to your doctor about how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when you stop using tolcapone.

Store tolcapone at room temperature in a tightly closed container, away from moisture and heat.

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