Entacapone

About Entacapone

This belongs to the group of medicines known as dopaminergics.

It is used alongside other medicines to relieve the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

The cause of Parkinson's disease is still unknown but it's 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 levodopa, which is converted into dopamine and so increases the level of dopamine in the brain, relieving these symptoms.

Entacapone helps to increase 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.

Entacapone is available in tablet form.

It is also sometimes known as: Comtess. You may notice the use of either of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

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 or phaeochromocytoma (a growth affecting the adrenal glands)
• if you have ever suffered from rhabdomyolysis (a condition affecting the muscles) or neuroleptic malignant syndrome (a reaction to neuroleptic or antipsychotic medicines).
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines

How to Take Entacapone

• Take Entacapone exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• You may have to take Entacapone for several weeks or months before you feel the full benefit.
• Do not stop taking Entacapone without speaking to your doctor first.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of Entacapone contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
• Entacapone is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before having any kind of surgery, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking Entacapone.
• Entacapone can cause dizziness. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
• 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 condition improves and 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 in the elderly.
• Entacapone may cause a dry mouth. If you experience this try chewing sugar-free gum or sucking pieces of ice or sugar free sweets. Alternatively a saliva substitute is available to purchase from your pharmacist. If a dry mouth becomes too troublesome speak with your doctor.
• Some patients have experienced sudden onset of sleep with little or no warning of tiredness. If you experience this you should avoid driving, operating machinery or other tasks where you need to be fully alert. You should see your doctor as soon as possible.
• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside Entacapone

Can Entacapone cause problems?

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

Feeling or being sick, tummy pain, constipation, diarrhoea, dry mouth, loss of appetite, weight loss or dizziness.

If you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store Entacapone

• Keep out of reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 30/06/2005