Indications
ONGENTYS (generically known as opicapone) is a prescription medicine used in adjunctive treatment to levodopa/carbidopa in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) experiencing off episodes. It is a selective catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitor that helps block the COMT enzyme which breaks down levodopa, the active ingredient in carbidopa-levodopa. By blocking COMT, ONGENTYS helps to prolong the effect of levodopa and improve the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
ONGENTYS is taken as a capsule by mouth once a day. As with all prescription medications, you should talk to your doctor about whether ONGENTYS is the right treatment option for your specific case, and make sure to follow your doctor's instructions for how to take the medication.
Uses and Dosage
Ongentys capsules should be taken orally on an empty stomach, according to your doctor's instructions, usually once a day at bedtime. Avoid eating food for at least one hour before and one hour after taking opicapone. The dosage will be determined based on your medical condition and response to therapy.
To help you remember to take it, take it at the same time every day. Do not suddenly stop taking Ongentys unless instructed by your doctor as this may worsen symptoms of Parkinson's disease or cause side effects such as fever or severe muscle stiffness. If your medical condition does not improve or worsens, please inform your doctor.
The usual dosage of Ongentys is one 50 mg capsule taken orally every day at bedtime. However, for individuals with moderate liver problems, the typical dose is 25 mg taken once orally every day at bedtime.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Ongentys (Opicapone):
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Hallucination
- High blood pressure
- Involuntary movements
- Trouble sleeping
- Weight loss
Serious Side Effects of Ongentys (Opicapone):
- Allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives; swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- Changes in emotions or moods
- Falling asleep during normal activities like driving
- Hallucinations
- High blood pressure
- New or increased gambling urges, sexual urges, uncontrolled spending, binge or compulsive eating, or other urges
- Signs and symptoms of low blood pressure like dizziness; feeling faint or lightheaded, falls; unusually weak or tired
- Uncontrollable movements of the arms, face, head, mouth, neck, or upper body
Form and Strength
Ongentys (Opicapone) is available in the following forms and strength:
Ongentys: Capsule
- 50 mg
Caution
- Ongentys (opicapone) may cause sudden sleepiness during daily activities like driving, especially if you have a history of sleep problems. To avoid accidents, avoid driving or doing anything that requires your focus until you know how the medication affects you. Inform your provider if you experience excessive daytime sleepiness or fall asleep during tasks that require concentration.
- Ongentys (opicapone) may cause a drop in your blood pressure, which could increase the risk of falling or fainting. Rise slowly while transitioning from a sitting or lying down position and hold onto something if needed.
- Ongentys (opicapone) can cause or exacerbate involuntary and erratic movements (dyskinesia). Due to increased levels of levodopa and fluctuating dopamine levels in the body. If you experience movements that you cannot control, contact your healthcare provider.
- Ongentys (opicapone) can induce hallucinations (perceiving unreal sights or sounds) or alterations in behavior and thoughts (like delusions, irritation, and aggression). It might affect the mental health of certain individuals, notify your healthcare provider if you have a history of such conditions so they can consider alternative options.
- If you have recently used MAO inhibitors (like isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, etc.), avoid using Ongentys, at least until 14 days have passed.
- Do not use Ongentys if you have a tumor that produces catecholamine hormones, including pheochromocytoma (a type of adrenal gland tumor) or paraganglioma.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does it take for Ongentys to work?
Ongentys starts working within one week of starting treatment, and the full effects are seen after a few weeks of taking the medication.
Can Ongentys be used alone to treat Parkinson's disease?
No, Ongentys is used in combination with other medications used to treat Parkinson's disease, such as levodopa/carbidopa.
Is Ongentys safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
It is not known whether Ongentys is safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, so discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before taking the medication.
Can the dosage of Ongentys be adjusted over time?
Yes, your healthcare provider may adjust your Ongentys dosage over time based on your response to treatment and any side affects you experience.
Resources
- https://www.drugs.com/ongentys.html
- https://www.goodrx.com/ongentys/what-is
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-177013/ongentys-oral/details
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-177013/ongentys-oral/details
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/ongentys
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/212489s000lbl.pdf
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