Stalevo
Active Ingredients: Carbidopa, Entacapone, Levodopa
Other Names: Stalevo
Product Images & Descriptions: 
What is/are Stalevo?
What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine?
How should I use this medicine?
What if I miss a dose?
What may interact with this medicine?
What side effects may I notice from this medicine?
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Where should I keep this medicine?
What is/are Stalevo?
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CARBIDOPA; LEVODOPA; ENTACAPONE is used to treat Parkinson's disease. Carbidopa and entacapone help levodopa to work better.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine?
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They need to know if you have any of these conditions: - depression or other mental illness
- diabetes
- glaucoma
- heart disease, including history of a heart attack
- irregular heart beat
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- lung or breathing disease, like asthma
- melanoma or suspicious skin lesions
- stomach or intestinal ulcers
- an unusual or allergic reaction to levodopa, carbidopa, entacapone, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservative
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
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Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow whole. Do not crush, chew, or cut the tablet. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
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If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?
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Do not take this medicine with any of the following: - cocaine
- isoniazid, INH
- MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
- procarbazine
- reserpine
This medicine may also interact with the following:- ampicillin
- apomorphine
- chloramphenicol
- cholestyramine
- droperidol
- epinephrine
- erythromycin
- iron supplements
- isoproterenol
- medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
- medicines for high blood pressure
- metoclopramide
- papaverine
- phenytoin
- probenecid
- rifampin
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What side effects may I notice from this medicine?
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Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible: - allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- confusion
- fast or irregular heartbeat
- feeling faint or lightheaded
- fever
- hallucinations
- involuntary muscle movements
- mood changes like aggressive behavior, depression
- sore muscles
- stomach pain
- trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
- uncontrolled movements of the mouth, head, hands, feet, shoulders, eyelids or other unusual muscle movements
- nausea or vomiting that does not go away
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):- constipation or diarrhea
- headache
- muscle twitches
- nightmares, trouble sleeping
- unusually weak or tired
- upset stomach or loss of appetite
This list may not describe all possible side effects.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
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Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Do not take any additional medicines for Parkinson's disease without first consulting with your health care provider.
Entacapone may increase the side effects caused by Levodopa; Carbidopa such as nausea or restless movements. If you notice an increase in or the appearance of certain side effects that occurred only while you are taking Levodopa; Carbidopa, contact your physician. The dose of Levodopa-Carbidopa may need to be lowered. Do not decrease your medicine dose without asking your doctor or health care professional.
You may get dizzy or have difficulty controlling your movements. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can increase possible dizziness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.
You may experience a 'wearing off' effect prior to the time for your next dose of this medicine. You may also experience an 'on-off' effect where the medicine apparently stops working for anything from a minute to several hours, then suddenly starts working again. Tell your doctor or health care professional if any of these symptoms happen to you. Your dosage may need adjustment.
A high protein diet can slow or prevent absorption of levodopa. Avoid high protein foods near the time of taking this medicine to help prevent this problem. You may want to eat higher protein foods later in the day or in small amounts. Discuss your diet with your doctor or nutritionist.
Do not take iron supplements within 2 hours of taking this medicine. The iron may decrease the amount of levodopa in your system and decrease the effectiveness of the drug
If you have diabetes, you may get a false-positive result for sugar in your urine. Check with your doctor or health care professional.
This medicine may discolor your urine, saliva or sweat, making it look darker or red in color. This is of no cause for concern. However, this may stain clothing or fabrics.
Where should I keep this medicine?
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Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
Last Updated:June 02, 2007 COPYRIGHT© Gold Standard, An Elsevier Company |
