Type of medicine: anti-Parkinson's
Generic and brand names: entacapone, oral; Comtan
This medicine is taken by mouth to treat Parkinson's disease. It is taken with another medicine that contains levodopa and carbidopa.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Do not take this medicine and an MAO inhibitor antidepressant within 14 days of each other.
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Follow your healthcare provider's directions exactly. Do not take more than 1600 mg of this medicine (eight 200-mg tablets) each day.
This medicine changes the way that levodopa works. While you are taking this medicine, your healthcare provider may change your levodopa/carbidopa dose, or the time between doses. You must take this medicine with levodopa and carbidopa.
Do not stop taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval. You will need to reduce your dosage gradually so the symptoms of Parkinson's disease do not increase.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Taking it with meals may lessen the chance the drug will upset your stomach.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: breathing problems, severe weakness, loss of balance, seizures.
This medicine may increase the risk for skin cancer and for prostate cancer. You will need to have checkups regularly to see how this medicine affects you. Keep all appointments.
This medicine may increase the risk of dehydration. Contact your healthcare provider if you develop severe vomiting or diarrhea while you are taking this medicine. Be careful when exercising, especially in hot weather. This medicine affects your body's ability to cool down, and you may get too hot. If you get too hot, you might vomit, feel dizzy, have a fast heartbeat, get very stiff muscles, or confused. Contact your provider immediately if you have these symptoms.
You may feel dizzy or faint when you get up quickly after sitting or lying down. Getting up slowly may help. This medicine increases the effects of alcohol and medicines that slow down your nervous system. Do not drink alcohol or take medicines such as narcotics, muscle relaxants, or allergy medicines unless your healthcare provider approves.
This medicine may make you drowsy. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.
Your urine may change color to a brownish orange. This is not harmful.
Tell your provider if your Parkinson's symptoms get worse or come back between doses.
This medicine may cause strong urges, such as to gamble, or have sex. Talk with your healthcare if you have unusual urges while taking this medicine.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there); dizziness after you stand or sit up quickly (especially if it occurs several times); fainting; nausea or diarrhea that continues; severe stomach pain; severe muscle pain; stiff muscles; severe confusion; unexplained fever; trouble breathing.
Other: Diarrhea, stomach pain, constipation, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, gas, uncontrolled muscle movements, tiredness, sweating.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
