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tolcapone - oral, Tasmar

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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 a severe (sometimes fatal) liver problem (liver failure). Tolcapone should not be used if you have even mild liver disease. You should only use tolcapone if you are experiencing problems with your levodopa wearing off between doses. If you show no benefit from tolcapone after 3 weeks of using it, your doctor may choose to stop it.

Before and during treatment with tolcapone, you will have certain blood tests (liver function tests) every few weeks to monitor for liver problems. Keep all medical and lab test appointments. Tell your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms of liver problems (such as persistent nausea/vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, severe tiredness, loss of appetite, itchiness). If you experience liver problems from taking tolcapone, you should not take it again.

Your doctor may ask you to sign a consent form after telling you about the possible side effects of this medication.

USES: This medication is used with other medications (levodopa/carbidopa) to treat Parkinson's disease. Tolcapone belongs to a class of drugs known as COMT inhibitors. Many people taking levodopa for Parkinson's have problems with the effects of the levodopa wearing off between scheduled doses, causing symptoms to return or worsen. Tolcapone blocks a certain natural substance (COMT enzyme) that breaks down levodopa in the body. This effect allows the levodopa to last longer in the system so that it doesn't wear off before the next dose.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually 3 times daily or as directed by your doctor. You will start on a low dose. Your doctor may increase your dosage after 3 weeks if he or she thinks that you will benefit from a higher dose.Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day. Do not suddenly stop taking this medication unless instructed to do so by your doctor. Doing so may cause your Parkinson's symptoms to become much worse.Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens (such as your Parkinson's symptoms are not controlled).

SIDE EFFECTS: See also Warning section.Nausea/vomiting, unwanted/uncontrolled movements, diarrhea, headache, drowsiness, trouble sleeping, increased number of dreams, increased sweating, dry mouth, gas, and abdominal pain may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.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 may develop serious side effects, but with frequent visits to your doctor, this risk can be minimized.Your urine may change color (such as increased yellow color). This effect is harmless.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes (such as confusion, hallucinations), unusual urges (such as increased gambling, sexual urges), fever, muscle stiffness, fast/irregular heartbeat, chest pain.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: easy bleeding/bruising, sore/painful muscles, muscle weakness, trouble breathing, pain with breathing.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: 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.