CARBIDOPA/LEVODOPA

Drug Name: CARBIDOPA/LEVODOPA

CARBIDOPA/LEVODOPA DESCRIPTION:
LEVODOPA WITH CARBIDOPA - ORAL (lee-voh-DOE-puh WITH kar-beh-DOE-puh)

COMMON CARBIDOPA/LEVODOPA BRAND NAME(S):
Atamet, Sinemet

CARBIDOPA/LEVODOPA SIDE EFFECTS:
May cause drowsiness, dizziness, headache, loss of appetite, stomach upset, nausea, vision changes, unusual body odor 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.

HOW TO USE CARBIDOPA/LEVODOPA:
CARBIDOPA/LEVODOPA: Take CARBIDOPA/LEVODOPA as directed. It may take a few weeks before the full benefits of CARBIDOPA/LEVODOPA are observed. If you are changing from plain levodopa to CARBIDOPA/LEVODOPA, levodopa must be discontinued for 8 hours before taking this combination drug. If stomach upset occurs, CARBIDOPA/LEVODOPA may be taken with food or milk. Consult with your doctor.

CARBIDOPA/LEVODOPA USES:
This combination medication is used to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

CARBIDOPA/LEVODOPA PRECAUTIONS:
CARBIDOPA/LEVODOPA 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. CARBIDOPA/LEVODOPA 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 CARBIDOPA/LEVODOPA if you are breast-feeding.

CARBIDOPA/LEVODOPA 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.

CARBIDOPA/LEVODOPA OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include irregular heartbeat and muscle spasms.

CARBIDOPA/LEVODOPA NOTES:
Be sure your doctor knows your complete medical history and the medications you are taking.

MISSED CARBIDOPA/LEVODOPA DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered and take any remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

CARBIDOPA/LEVODOPA STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom.