Stalevo®
Stalevo® is a combination of three common medications used to treat Parkinson's disease: carbidopa and levodopa (which are the active ingredients in Sinemet®) and entacapone (which is the active ingredient in Comtan®).
Levodopa is a substance that is converted into dopamine in the brain. This is the most widely prescribed treatment for Parkinson's.
Carbidopa helps prevent levodopa from being broken down in the gut, liver and other tissues. This allows more levodopa to reach the brain and also helps prevent nausea and vomiting.
Entacapone (Comtan) will enhance the action of levodopa.
Taking Stalevo will allow you to take one medication instead of two separate ones and may also help you to experience fewer signs and symptoms of wearing off.
Stalevo is available in three separate dosage forms.
Things to know
- Take Stalevo 45 minutes before or one hour after (preferably after) a high protein meal. Protein can adversely affect the function of Stalevo.
- Let your doctor and pharmacist know of any other medications you may take: in particular antacids, anti-seizure medication, antihypertensives and antidepressants. (especially the antidepressants Nardil® and Parnate®). These may interact with Stalevo.
- Do not crush or break Stalevo in half.
- The most common side effects you may experience include: diarrhea, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness and insomnia. Please let us know if these become very bothersome.
- If you experience dyskinesias, spontaneous, involuntary movements, let us or your neurologist know. You may need to decrease the dose.
