GENERIC NAME: TOLCAPONE - ORAL (TOLL-cup-own)
BRAND NAME(S): Tasmar
Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
WARNING: Rarely, tolcapone has caused serious (sometimes fatal) liver problems. Therefore, this medication should be used only in carefully selected patients. Tell your doctor if you have liver problems or difficulty controlling body movements (dyskinesia or dystonia) before you use this medication. If benefit is not seen within 3 weeks of starting this medication, this medication must be stopped because liver problems could occur. Consult your doctor. If you develop any of the following signs of liver problems, stop using this drug and notify your doctor immediately: yellowing of the eyes or skin, unusual fatigue, loss of appetite, dark urine, nausea, or abdominal/stomach pain. If liver problems develop due to the use of this drug, tolcapone must not be used in the future. Your doctor will test your liver function before, during and after treatment with this medication.
USES: Tolcapone is used in combination with other medicines to treat Parkinson's disease in persons who have not responded well to other therapy.
HOW TO USE: This drug is recommended for use with other Parkinson medicine (e.g., levodopa/carbidopa). The medicine is taken by mouth, exactly as directed, generally three times daily with or without food. Follow all instructions, as this and other medicine dosages may need to be adjusted during treatment. Do not stop using this medicine suddenly, or decrease the dose without consulting your doctor. Serious side effects could result. Benefits should be noticeable within 3 weeks. If not, consult your doctor.
SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, loss of appetite, dizziness, drowsiness, unusual sweating, dry mouth, or constipation might occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Report promptly: diarrhea, muscle movement/coordination or stiffness problems, mental/mood changes, headache. Unlikely but report promptly: pink-colored urine, yellowing skin or eyes, stomach pain, dark urine, trouble breathing, chest pain, fast heartbeat, fainting. Very unlikely but report promptly: fever, vision problems, rash, facial swelling, black/bloody stools. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
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.
- Parkinson's Disease - Learn about Parkinson's Disease - symptoms, causes and treatment for this neurological brain disorder that affects the central nervous system on MedicineNet.com
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