Entacapone is used together with other medicines to treat Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease is a disorder that affects movement of a person, causing symptoms such as tremors, muscle stiffness, slowed movement and impaired balance or walking. It is used to improve the medicinal effect of another Parkinson's disease medicine called levodopa.
Entacapone cannot cure Parkinson's disease, but it can improve the quality of life for people who have the disease.
Take Entacapone exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take Entacapone together with each dose of levodopa.
You may take Entacapone with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Entacapone must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking Entacapone even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed otherwise, as stopping it suddenly could worsen your condition.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- liver disease
- adrenal gland tumour called phaeochromocytoma
- history of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (a neurological disorder associated with the use of medicines for mood disorder, characterised by muscle rigidity, fever and blood pressure changes)
- history of non-traumatic rhabdomyolysis (abnormal muscle breakdown that can cause kidney damage)
as Entacapone may not be suitable for you.
DO NOT take Entacapone with medicines used to treat depression, such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine and tranylcypromine.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- bile duct obstruction
- kidney disease
- heart disease
- tardive dyskinesia (a condition which causes uncontrollable twitching movements of the mouth, tongue and limbs)
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Entacapone may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Entacapone may also cause you to suddenly fall asleep during your daily activities such as eating and watching television. You may not feel drowsy before you fall asleep. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Entacapone may cause your blood pressure to fall suddenly when you get up from a sitting or lying down position and you may feel giddy. To minimise this problem, stand up slowly.
Other side effects include any of the following: nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain and dry mouth. These side effects are common especially when you have just started taking Entacapone.
Let your doctor know if you experience:
- confusion and hallucinations (seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not existent)
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, agitated, or having compulsive and impulsive behaviour)
- uncontrollable movements such as twitching or jerking
Entacapone may also turn your urine an orange-brown colour. This is harmless, do not be alarmed.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Entacapone with medicines used to treat depression e.g. isocarboxazid, phenelzine and tranylcypromine.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for the heart or blood pressure e.g. adrenaline, methyldopa
- warfarin (blood-thinning medicine)
- iron pills
If you are taking iron pills, do not take them together with Entacapone. Take them at least 2-3 hours before or after you have taken Entacapone.
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Entacapone.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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