Product Details: Comtan (Entacapone)

Brand Name Options - Manufacturer: Novartis

Generic Options

What are Generics? A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, how it is taken, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name and works the same way in the body in the same amount of time.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is the generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (e.g. different shape or color), as trademark laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to invent a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name drug and sell it at substantial discounts.

Description

This medicine is a catechol-o-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitor used along with levodopa/carbidopa to treat Parkinson's disease

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Take this medicine with each dose of levodopa/carbidopa. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C), away from heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do NOT take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

DO NOT STOP USING THIS MEDICINE without first checking with your doctor. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor that you are using this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE DIZZINESS, lightheadedness, or fainting. Alcohol, hot weather, exercise, and fever can increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Also, sit or lie down at the first sign of dizziness, lightheadedness, or weakness. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. THIS MEDICINE MAY COLOR THE URINE brownish orange. This is normal. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include dizziness or lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, diarrhea, constipation, sweating, or loss of muscle control. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience continuing nausea, loss of appetite, unusual fatigue, itching, hallucinations, shortness of breath, forgetfulness, flu-like symptoms, high fever, muscle pain or severe muscle rigidity, or confusion. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Active Ingredients

Entacapone