Entacapone

About entacapone

About entacapone

The cause of Parkinson's disease is still unknown but its symptoms of tremor, stiffness and slow movement are due to there being less of a chemical called dopamine in the brain.

You will probably already be taking a medicine called either co-beneldopa or co-careldopa. These contain levodopa which helps relieve the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Levodopa is converted into dopamine and so increases the level of dopamine in the brain.

Entacapone works by increasing the effectiveness of levodopa. It is mainly used by people who have been suffering from Parkinson's disease for a while and whose symptoms deteriorate between doses.

Before taking entacapone

Before taking entacapone make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you suffer from liver problems.
• If you suffer from phaeochromocytoma (a growth affecting the adrenal glands).
• If you have ever suffered from rhabdomyolysis (a condition affecting the muscles).
• If you have ever suffered from neuroleptic malignant syndrome (a reaction to neuroleptic or antipsychotic medicines).
• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines. This is especially important if you have recently taken antidepressants known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI's).
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take entacapone

• Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
• Take entacapone exactly as directed by your doctor. Take your doses at the same time as your co-beneldopa or co-careldopa.
• Do not take any iron-containing medicines at the same time as entacapone.
• When you first start taking entacapone, your doctor may adjust the doses of your other medicines for Parkinson's disease. This is to help prevent any undesirable side-effects.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Entacapone may cause a reddish discolouration of the urine and other body fluids may also be affected. This is completely harmless and is no cause for concern.
• As your body movements become easier, be careful not to overdo physical activities. Physical activities must be increased gradually to allow your body to adjust to changing balance, circulation and co-ordination. This is especially important if you are elderly.
• Some people taking entacapone have experienced falling asleep suddenly with little or no warning of tiredness. If you experience this you should avoid driving, operating machinery or doing other tasks where you need to be fully alert, and let your doctor know.
• If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
• Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored.
• Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first.
• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with entacapone.

Can entacapone cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

How to store entacapone

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines