Indications
Stalevo 125 is a combination medication used to treat Parkinson's disease symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, spasms, and poor muscle control. It contains three active ingredients: carbidopa, levodopa, and entacapone.
Levodopa is converted into dopamine in the brain, which helps to alleviate the motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Carbidopa helps prevent the breakdown of levodopa in the bloodstream, allowing more of it to reach the brain and be converted into dopamine. Entacapone helps prolong the effect of levodopa by preventing the breakdown of dopamine in the brain.
Use and Dosage
Stalevo is administered orally in the form of a tablet, typically 3 to 4 times a day, as prescribed by a doctor. Only take one tablet per dose, and swallow the tablet whole, without crushing, chewing, or splitting it. Doing so incorrectly may result in the wrong dose and can also cause staining of the mouth, dentures, and saliva.
To reduce nausea, Stalevo can be taken with food, but avoid a high-protein diet during treatment, unless directed otherwise by a doctor. Iron supplements or products containing iron should be taken as far apart in time from Stalevo as possible, as iron can reduce the medication's absorption by the body. Additionally, taking the medication with a high-fat, high-calorie meal can delay the onset of its effects by up to two hours.
The correct dosage of Stalevo will depend on the individual patient's medical condition and response to treatment, take it regularly and at the same time each day for maximum benefits.
Do not stop taking Stalevo tablets without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the Stalevo is suddenly stopped. Also, if you suddenly stop using the medication, you may have withdrawal symptoms (such as anxiety, depression, confusion, fever, and muscle stiffness). To help prevent withdrawal, your doctor may lower your dose slowly. Withdrawal is more likely if you have used the tablet for a long time or in high doses.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Stalevo 125 (Carbidopa-Levodopa-Entacapone):
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Back pain
- Blurred vision
- Changes in your sense of taste
- Constipation
- Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle cramps
- Nausea
- Skin rash or itching
- Stomach pain or upset
- Strange dreams
- Unusual skin changes
- Vomiting
Serious Side Effects of Stalevo 125 (Carbidopa-Levodopa-Entacapone):
- Black or tarry stools
- Blurred vision
- Changes in the amount of urine
- Chest pain
- Confusion
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty swallowing
- Easy bleeding or bruising
- Eye pain
- Fainting
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Fever
- Greatly increased eye blinking or twitching
- Hallucinations
- Hives
- Involuntary movements (especially twitching of the eyelid)
- Mental/mood changes (such as confusion hallucinations thoughts of suicide)
- Muscle pain
- Muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness
- New or worsening muscle spasms
- Persistent diarrhea
- Persistent sore throat
- Rapid breathing and
- Signs of infection (persistent sore throat)
- Stomach/abdominal pain
- Sweating
- Swelling of your face lips tongue or throat
- Thoughts of suicide
- Tingling of the hands or feet
- Unusual muscle stiffness
- Unusual strong urges (increased gambling or sexual urges)
- Unusual tiredness
- Vision changes
- Vomit that looks like coffee grounds
Forms and Strength
Stalevo 125 (Carbidopa-Levodopa-Entacapone) is available in the following forms and strength:
Stalevo 125: Tablet
- 31.25/125/200mg
Cautions
- Drug interactions: Stalevo may interact with other medications, consult a healthcare provider before taking it to avoid adverse effects.
- Side effects: Stalevo may cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and dyskinesia.
- Dosage adjustments: The dosage of Stalevo may need to be adjusted in patients with liver or kidney problems, or in those taking certain medications.
- Allergic reactions: Patients who are allergic to levodopa, carbidopa, entacapone, or any of the other ingredients in Stalevo should not take the medication.
- Monitoring: Patients taking Stalevo should be monitored for changes in blood pressure, heart rate, and mental status.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Stalevo should be used with caution in pregnant or breastfeeding women, as its safety has not been established in these populations.
- Impulse control disorders: Stalevo has been associated with the development of impulse control disorders, such as compulsive gambling or shopping. Patients should be instructed to report any unusual behavior to their healthcare provider.
- Hallucinations and psychosis: Stalevo may cause hallucinations or psychosis, particularly in patients with a history of these conditions. If these symptoms occur, patients should seek medical attention immediately.
- Cardiovascular events: Patients with a history of cardiovascular disease should be monitored closely while taking Stalevo, as it has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack or stroke.
- Withdrawal symptoms: Abruptly discontinuing Stalevo may cause withdrawal symptoms such as muscle stiffness, fever, and confusion. Patients should be instructed to gradually taper off the medication under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What should I do if I miss a dose of Stalevo 125?
If you miss a dose of Stalevo 125, you should try to take it as soon as possible. However, if it is close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Can Stalevo 125 be used for children?
Stalevo 125 is not approved for use in children under the age of 18 and should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
Can Stalevo 125 cause drowsiness?
Yes, drowsiness is a potential side effect associated with Stalevo 125. Be cautious when operating heavy machinery or driving until the effects of the medication are known.
Resources
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2010/021485s20lbl.pdf
- https://www.rxlist.com/stalevo-drug.htm
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-151392/stalevo-125-oral/details
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/carbidopa-entacapone-and-levodopa-oral-route/description/drg-20061604
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/stalevo
- https://www.drugs.com/mtm/stalevo-125.html
- https://www.wellrx.com/stalevo%20100/drug-information/
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