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carbidopa/levodopa/entacapone - oral, Stalevo

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GENERIC NAME: CARBIDOPA/LEVODOPA/ENTACAPONE - ORAL (car-bee-DOE-pah/lee-vo-DOE-pah/en-TACK-up-own)

BRAND NAME(S): Stalevo

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This combination medication is used to treat symptoms 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 converted into dopamine in the brain, leading to the relief of Parkinson's disease symptoms. Both carbidopa and entacapone are given with levodopa to increase the amount of levodopa that is converted into dopamine.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth exactly as prescribed. Do not increase the dose or take more frequently without consulting your doctor.Do not split the tablets.It is best to avoid a high protein diet (decreases the amount of levodopa that your body takes in) during treatment, unless directed otherwise by your doctor. Consult your doctor or pharmacist 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) before 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 taking 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.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 difficulty sleeping may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: involuntary movements (especially twitching of the eyelid), fainting or falling, difficulty swallowing, stomach/abdominal pain, vision changes (including blurred vision).Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: black/tarry stools, muscle pain, change in the amount of urine, mental/mood changes (such as confusion, hallucinations, thoughts of suicide, compulsive behavior including urge to gamble), signs of infection (e.g., persistent sore throat).Seek immediate medical attention if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: chest pain, high fever, severe muscle stiffness, fast heartbeat, fast breathing, increased sweating.This medication may cause the saliva, urine, or sweat to turn a dark color. This is harmless; however, it may discolor clothing.A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration   You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.