Medication Search - Sandoz Entacapone
Sandoz Entacapone
Common Name:
entacapone
How does Sandoz Entacapone work? What will it do for me?
Entacapone belongs to a group of medications called catechol-O-methyl
transferase (COMT) inhibitors. It is used along with levodopa-carbidopa or
levodopa-benserazide to treat Parkinson’s disease.
By inhibiting COMT enzymes that normally break down levodopa in the body,
entacapone increases the amount of levodopa reaching the brain. This reduces
the end-of-dose "wearing off" effect that some people taking levodopa
may experience, thereby minimizing fluctuations in symptoms of Parkinson’s
disease. When taken on its own, entacapone has no effect on symptoms of
Parkinson’s disease.
This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in
several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not
be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions
discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all
of the conditions discussed here.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than
those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed
this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak
to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your
doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same
symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if
their doctor has not prescribed it.
What form(s) does Sandoz Entacapone come in?
Each brownish-orange, unscored, oval-shaped, film-coated tablet, embossed
with "COMTAN" on one side, contains entacapone 200 mg. Nonmedicinal
ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, hydrogenated vegetable oil, magnesium
stearate, mannitol, and microcrystalline cellulose; coating: glycerol
85%, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, magnesium stearate, polysorbate 80, red
iron oxide, sucrose, titanium dioxide, and yellow iron oxide.
How should I use Sandoz Entacapone?
Entacapone is to be taken together with either levodopa-carbidopa or
levodopa-benserazide to treat people with Parkinson’s disease who experience
end-of-dose "wearing off" of levodopa. End-of-dose "wearing
off" refers to a decrease in the amount of time that levodopa is
effective, which results in fluctuations in Parkinson’s disease symptoms.
The recommended dose of entacapone is 200 mg taken with each
levodopa-carbidopa or levodopa-benserazide dose, up to 8 times daily.
This medication can be taken with or without food. Swallow the tablets
whole. Do not crush or chew the tablets.
This medication has no effect on symptoms of Parkinson’s disease when taken
alone.
Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as
body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor
has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change
the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your
doctor. If you miss taking a dose of entacapone with your levodopa dose, skip
that dose and take your next entacapone dose with your next levodopa dose. Do
not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure
what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and
moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
Who should NOT take Sandoz Entacapone?
Do not take entacapone if you:
- are allergic to entacapone or
any ingredients of the medication - are taking or have taken a
non-selective monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within the last 2 weeks
(e.g., moclobemide, phenelzine, tranylcypromine) - have a previous history of
neuroleptic malignant syndrome or rhabdomyolysis - have liver impairment
- have pheochromocytoma (a
tumour in the adrenal glands) - have active heart, lung,
kidney, blood, or hormonal disease - have narrow-angle glaucoma
- have or have had skin lesions
that may be melanoma - have any condition where
epinephrine, norepinephrine, isoprenaline or dopamine should not be given
What side effects are possible with Sandoz Entacapone?
Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted
response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be
mild or severe, temporary or permanent.
The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this
medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and
benefits of this medication with your doctor.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people
taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may
go away on their own over time.
Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are
severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing
side effects.
|
|
Although most of these side effects listed below don’t happen very often,
they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or
seek medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side
effects occur:
|
|
Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:
- signs of heart attack (e.g.,
sudden chest pain or pain radiating to back, down arm, or jaw; sensation
of fullness of the chest; nausea; vomiting; sweating; anxiety) - signs of neuroleptic
malignant syndrome (e.g., agitation; anxiety; confusion; fast, irregular,
or pounding heartbeat; increased body temperature; muscle rigidity) - signs of a severe skin
reaction (i.e., blistering, peeling, a rash covering a large area of the
body, a rash that spreads quickly, or a rash combined with fever or
discomfort) - signs of a serious allergic
reaction (i.e., abdominal cramps, difficulty breathing, rash, hives, or
swelling of the face and throat)
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are
taking this medication.
Are there any other precautions or warnings for Sandoz Entacapone?
Before you begin taking a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of
any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are
taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant
facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should take this
medication.
Behavioural and mood changes: This medication may cause mood and
psychiatric changes, including hallucinations, hypersexuality, pathological gambling,
and increased libido. Tell your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any
unusual changes in your behaviour, have thoughts of harming yourself, or feel
depressed.
If you have depression or a history of depression, discuss with your doctor
how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical
condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and
whether any special monitoring is needed. If you experience symptoms of
depression such as poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep,
decreased interest in activities, or notice them in a family member who is
taking this medication contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Diarrhea: Diarrhea is a common side effect of this medication. It may
appear as early as the first week of starting treatment or many months after
starting treatment. For some people, the diarrhea causes weight loss. If you
notice any weight loss or have excessive diarrhea, contact your doctor.
Dizziness/reduced alertness: This medication may cause low blood
pressure or dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a lying or sitting
position. People taking medications that can cause dizziness should rise slowly
from sitting or lying down to reduce the possibility of severe dizziness or fainting.
Do not drive, operate machinery, or perform other hazardous tasks until you
have determined how this medication affects you.
Fructose intolerance: This medication contains fructose. If you have
fructose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption, or sucrase-isomaltase
insufficiency, you should not take this medication. Talk to your doctor.
Heart disease: This medication may cause an increase in the risk of
heart attack or heart disease. If you have a history of heart disease, discuss
with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how
your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this
medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause
this medication to build up in the body, causing side effects. This medication
is not recommended for people with liver problems.
Melanoma: People with Parkinson’s disease may be at increased risk of
developing melanoma (a type of skin cancer). It is not known if this increased
risk is due to Parkinson’s disease or to the medications used to treat
Parkinson’s disease. Your doctor will monitor you for skin cancer while you are
taking this medication. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS): This medication may cause a
potentially fatal reaction called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). If you
develop symptoms of NMS, such as muscle stiffness, fever, confusion, sweating,
or irregular heartbeat, stop taking this medication and seek immediate medical
attention.
Prostate Cancer: A recent study has shown an increase in the number
of cases of prostate cancer among men who have taken levodopa/carbidopa with or
without entacapone for approximately 3 years. Although it is not clear whether
this increased risk of prostate cancer is due to the medication or something
else, it is important to have regular prostate examinations while taking
medications for Parkinson’s Disease.
Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown): Occasionally, this medication may
cause rapid breakdown of muscle tissue. If you notice signs of muscle weakness
or pain, high body temperature, unexpected bruising, confusion, or difficulty
passing urine, contact your doctor immediately.
Stopping this medication: Stopping this medication too quickly can
cause potentially life-threatening side effects. Before stopping this
medication, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Do not stop taking
this medication until you have spoken with your doctor first.
Sudden onset of sleep: There are reports of people who take this
combination medication treatment (entacapone with levodopa – carbidopa) falling
asleep without prior warning or drowsiness. If you have a sleep disorder,
discuss this with your doctor. If you experience drowsiness while taking this
medication, avoid driving or using machinery.
Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless
the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this
medication, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast feeding: It is not known if entacapone passes into breast
milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are using this medication, it may
affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue
breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have
not been established for children less than 18 years of age.
What other drugs could interact with Sandoz Entacapone?
There may be an interaction between entacapone and any of the following:
|
|
If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or
pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want
you to:
- stop taking one of the
medications, - change one of the medications
to another, - change how you are taking one
or both of the medications, or - leave everything as is.
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must
stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug
interactions are being managed or should be managed.
Medications other than those listed above may interact with this
medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription,
over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking.
Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the
nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many
medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2021. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/Sandoz-Entacapone
