Entacapone is used together with other medicines to treat Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease is a disorder that affects the 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 this medicine 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 this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it suddenly as this may 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 dosing 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:
- phaeochromocytoma (rare tumour of the adrenal gland causing high blood pressure)
- history of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (rare reaction to certain medicines characterised by muscle rigidity, fever and mental status changes)
- history of non-traumatic rhabdomyolysis (abnormal muscle breakdown that can cause kidney damage as a result of infection, extreme muscle strain, drugs or alcohol intake)
- liver disease
as Entacapone may not be suitable for you.
Do not take this medicine if you are currently taking a medicine that is used to treat depression known as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as phenelzine and tranylcypromine.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart disease
- history of heart attack and irregular or abnormal heartbeat
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. liver function, skin examination) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Your blood pressure may rise to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly during treatment.
Entacapone may cause drowsiness or dizziness. This medicine 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.
This medicine 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, vomiting, abdominal pain, constipation, dry mouth, and tiredness.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- muscle rigidity, fever, mental status changes, fast heartbeat
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, agitated, or having compulsive and impulsive behaviour
- hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not existent)
- uncontrollable involuntary movements such as twitching and jerking
Your urine may look reddish-brown in colour. This is normal while you are being treated with Entacapone.
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 if you are currently taking a medicine that is used to treat depression known as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as 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. epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine, dobutamine, methyldopa
- other medicines for Parkinson's disease e.g. bromocriptine, selegiline, amantadine
- iron supplements
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with this medicine.
Do not take Entacapone with iron supplements. If you are taking iron supplements, take Entacapone at least 2-3 hours before or after your iron supplement dose.
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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