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CHEMICAL NAME
CARBIDOPA and LEVODOPA.
INDICATIONS
Carbidopa-Levodopa ER is an antidyskinetic combination used to treat Parkinson's disease. It is also used to treat Parkinson's disease-like conditions that may occur due to certain injuries or diseases of the nervous system. This medicine may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
DIRECTIONS
Follow the directions for taking Carbidopa-Levodopa ER Tablets provided by your doctor. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. Do not take iron or vitamins that contain iron within 2 hours of taking this medicine. Diets high in protein may prevent your body's ability to absorb this medicine. Dietary protein should be eaten evenly throughout the day. Store this medicine at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees f (15 and 30 degrees c) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. Take this medicine regularly to receive the most benefit from it. Taking this medicine at the same times each day will help you to remember. Continue taking this medicine even if you feel better.
MISSED DOSE:Do not miss any doses. 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.
SIDE EFFECTS
May cause drowsiness, dizziness, headache, loss of appetite, stomach upset, nausea, vision changes, or trembling of the hands. These should subside as your body adjusts to the medication. If these symptoms persist or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: vomiting, difficulty swallowing, difficulty urinating, uncontrollable movements (especially twitching of the eyelid), chest pain, an irregular heartbeat, skin rash, mood or mental changes. May cause darkening of the urine or sweat. This is not harmful and will disappear when the medication is stopped. May cause dizziness especially when rising quickly from a seated or lying position. Change positions slowly and be careful on stairs. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS
This medication can cause false results with urine glucose testing in diabetics. Blood glucose testing should be performed instead. Tell your doctor if you have: glaucoma, history of skin cancer, breathing problems, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, endocrine disease, ulcers, depression, blood disorders. This drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Levodopa appears in breast milk. Do not take this medication if you are breast-feeding.
OVERDOSAGE
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include irregular heartbeat and muscle spasms.
INFORMATION
Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
NOTES
The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician,pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your
healthcare professional before taking the product.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Inform your doctor if you are taking: medicine to treat depression or anxiety ("anti-depressants" or Valium-like drugs), MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine), phenytoin (Dilantin), iron vitamins, medication to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), other drugs to treat Parkinson's disease, any other prescription or non- prescription drugs. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
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