Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

LEVODOPA WITH CARBIDOPA - ORAL

(lee-voh-DOE-puh WITH kar-beh-DOE-puh)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Atamet, Sinemet

Uses

This combination medication is used to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

How To Use

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

Side Effects

May cause drowsiness, dizziness, headache, loss of appetite, stomach upset, nausea, vision changes, 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.

Precautions

This medication 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. This drug 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 this medication if you are breast-feeding.

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.

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.

Notes

Be sure your doctor knows your complete medical history and the medications you are taking.

Missed 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.

Storage

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