SINEMET CR

Drug Name: SINEMET CR

SINEMET CR DESCRIPTION:
LEVODOPA WITH CARBIDOPA - ORAL SUSTAINED RELEASE (lee-voh-DOE-puh WITH kar-beh-DOE-puh)

COMMON SINEMET CR BRAND NAME(S):
Sinemet CR

SINEMET CR 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 any of these serious effects while taking SINEMET CR: vomiting, difficulty swallowing, difficulty urinating, uncontrollable movements (especially twitching of the eyelid), chest pain, irregular heartbeat, skin rash, mental/mood 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 SINEMET CR:
SINEMET CR: Take SINEMET CR as directed. It may take a few weeks before the full benefits of SINEMET CR are observed. If you are changing from plain levodopa to SINEMET CR, levodopa must be discontinued for 8 hours before taking this combination drug. If stomach upset occurs, SINEMET CR may be taken with food or milk. Consult with your doctor. Tablets may be broken in half but should not be crushed or chewed.

SINEMET CR USES:
SINEMET CR is used to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Carbidopa is used to make levodopa more effective. Carbidopa has no effect when given alone.

SINEMET CR PRECAUTIONS:
SINEMET CR can cause false results in urine glucose testing in diabetes. TesTape should be used to test urine for accurate results. Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: glaucoma, skin cancer, breathing problems, heart disease, gland problems e.g., diabetes, thyroid), kidney or liver disease, ulcers, depression, blood disorders. SINEMET CR 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 SINEMET CR if you are breast-feeding.

SINEMET CR DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all the medications you may use, (both prescription and nonprescription), especially of: MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, tranylcypromine), drugs used for depression or anxiety, iron vitamins, phenytoin, blood pressure drugs, pyridoxine, any other drugs used for Parkinson's disease. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

SINEMET CR 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.

SINEMET CR NOTES:
Be sure your doctor knows your complete medical history and the medications you are taking.

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

SINEMET CR STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom.