Prescription Required 
Formulation : 
Description
Indications
This combination medication is utilized to alleviate symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease, including tremors, rigidity, and difficulty in movement. Parkinson’s disease is believed to stem from insufficient levels of dopamine, a naturally occurring substance in the brain. Levodopa converts into dopamine within the brain, aiding in the regulation of movement. Carbidopa and entacapone work to inhibit the breakdown of levodopa in the bloodstream, thereby allowing more levodopa to penetrate the brain. Carbidopa can also mitigate certain side effects of levodopa, such as nausea and vomiting.
Uses and Dosage
Take this medication orally, either with or without food, as instructed by your doctor, typically 3 to 4 times daily.
Ensure you take only one tablet per dose and swallow it whole. Avoid crushing, chewing, or splitting the tablet, as this may lead to an incorrect dosage and staining of the mouth, dentures, and saliva.
Consuming this medication with food can help alleviate nausea. You should refrain from a high-protein diet during treatment, as it can decrease the absorption of levodopa, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Similarly, avoid taking this medication with a high-fat, high-calorie meal, as it may delay its onset of action by approximately 2 hours.
Try to space out your doses of this medication as much as possible from any iron supplements or products containing iron (such as multivitamins with minerals) you may be taking, as iron can reduce its absorption by the body.
The dosage is determined based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Use this medication consistently to derive the maximum benefit. To aid in remembering, take it at the same times each day.
Some patients may encounter a “wearing-off” effect (a deterioration of symptoms) before the next dose is due.
Additionally, an “on-off” effect may occur, characterized by sudden brief periods of stiffness. Should these effects manifest, contact your doctor for potential dose adjustments to mitigate this effect.
Do not discontinue this medication without consulting your doctor, as certain conditions may deteriorate when abruptly stopped. Abrupt cessation may also lead to withdrawal symptoms (such as anxiety, depression, confusion, fever, muscle stiffness). Your doctor may gradually reduce your dose to help prevent withdrawal. Withdrawal is more likely with long-term or high-dose usage. Notify your doctor or pharmacist immediately if you experience withdrawal symptoms.
Inform your doctor if your condition fails to improve or worsens.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- diarrhea
- nausea
- vomiting
- headache
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- blurred vision
- stomach pain or upset
- loss of appetite
- constipation
- dry mouth
- changes in your sense of taste
- skin rash or itching
- unusual skin changes
- muscle cramps
- back pain
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- hives
- difficulty breathing
- swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat
- new or worsening muscle spasm
- greatly increased eye blinking or twitching
- fainting
- diarrhea
- vision changes
- blurred vision
- eye pain
- severe abdominal pain
- black or tarry stools
- vomit that looks like coffee grounds
- muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness
- change in the amount of urine
- mood changes
- confusion
- hallucinations
- thoughts of suicide
- persistent sore throat
- easy bleeding or bruising
- unusual tiredness
- tingling of the hands or feet
- unusual strong urges (increased gambling, sexual urges)
- chest pain
- fever
- unusual muscle stiffness
- severe confusion
- sweating
- fast or irregular heartbeat
- rapid breathing
- severe dizziness
Caution
- Before taking this medication, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have allergies to carbidopa, levodopa, entacapone, foscarbidopa, foslevodopa, or any other substances. Inactive ingredients in the product may trigger allergic reactions or other complications.
- Prior to using this medication, disclose your medical history to your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you have liver disease, glaucoma, breathing problems, heart disease, kidney disease, stomach/intestinal ulcer, mental/mood disorders, blood disorders, seizures, or sleep disorders.
- This medication may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Alcohol or marijuana may intensify these effects. Refrain from driving, operating machinery, or engaging in activities requiring alertness until you can do so safely.
- During pregnancy, use this medication only if clearly necessary. Discuss the potential risks and benefits with your doctor.
- Levodopa passes into breast milk in small amounts and may impact milk production. It is uncertain whether carbidopa or entacapone passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Form and Strength
Stalevo 100 is available in the following forms and strengths:
- Stalevo 100 tablet:
- 25 / 100 / 200 mg
- carbidopa, levodopa and entacapone tablet:
- 25 / 100 / 200 mg
FAQ
How long does it take Stalevo to work?
The medications in Stalevo are released into your body within 30 minutes after you take your dose.
Should I take Stalevo with food?
Stalevo can be taken with or without food. If you take the medication with food, avoid protein-rich foods, such as meat, milk, cheese, or nuts, because they can affect how fast and how much levodopa gets into your body.
Resources
- https://www.goodrx.com/stalevo/what-is#faqs
- https://www.rxlist.com/stalevo-drug.htm
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/carbidopa-entacapone-and-levodopa-oral-route/description/drg-20061604
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-76453/carbidopa-levodopa-entacapone-oral/details
- https://www.drugs.com/mtm/carbidopa-entacapone-and-levodopa.html
