Product Details: Stalevo (Carbidopa/Levodopa/Entacapone)

Generic Options - Manufacturer: Generic

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 combination of three medicines used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease is believed to be due to a lack of an important chemical in the brain called dopamine. Levodopa is converted into dopamine in the brain. This provides 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.

Directions

Follow the directions for taking this medicine provided by your doctor. SWALLOW WHOLE. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a tightly closed container, away from heat, moisture, and light. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Use this medicine regularly for the best results. Try to take it at the same time each day to help you remember. 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

Take this medicine exactly as directed. Your dosage is based on your medical condition, previous medicine therapy, response to therapy, and side effects. DO NOT INCREASE the dose or take it more frequently without consulting with your doctor. DO NOT STOP TAKING THIS MEDICINE without checking with your doctor. KEEP ALL DOCTOR APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. Laboratory and/or medical tests such as liver function tests and eye exams should be performed to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Contact your doctor for more information on these tests. Some patients may experience a worsening of symptoms or "wearing-off" before the next dose is due. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if your symptoms become worse. Your dose may need to be adjusted to lessen this effect. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE dizziness or drowsiness. DO NOT DRIVE, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. Limit alcoholic beverages. If dizziness occurs, sit up or stand up slowly. Diets high in protein may prevent your body's ability to absorb this medicine. Dietary protein should be eaten evenly throughout the day. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE darkening of your urine, saliva, or sweat. There is no need for concern; however, clothing can be discolored. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. AN INGREDIENT IN 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. IF YOU HAVE DIABETES, this medicine may cause false test results with some urine glucose tests. Check with your doctor before adjusting the dose of your diabetes medicine or changing your diet.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, loss of appetite, dry mouth, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, or trouble sleeping. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience involuntary movements, fainting, confusion, difficulty swallowing, stomach or abdominal pain, vision changes including blurred vision, chest pain, black or tarry stools, muscle pain, change in the amount of urine, mental or mood changes, persistent sore throat, high fever, severe muscle stiffness, fast heartbeat, fast breathing, or increased sweating. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Active Ingredients

Carbidopa/Levodopa/Entacapone