Warnings & Recalls for Stalevo
Stalevo and Pregnancy
Stalevo has been listed as an
FDA pregnancy Category C medication. When tested on animals, Stalevo was harmful to the fetus. It is unknown whether Stalevo could harm an unborn baby if taken by Stalevo. It is also
not known if Stalevo passes into breastmilk or could harm a nursing child. Consult your doctor before taking Stalevo if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.
General Warnings
Stalevo
should not be used by anyone who is
allergic to the ingredients of Stalevo, or has any of the following conditions:
- skin cancer or a history of skin cancer
- abnormal skin growths with causes that have not been determined
- narrow-angle glaucoma
- if you have taken any MAO (monoamine oxidase) inhibitors
Let your doctor know about your
medical history before taking Stalevo. Be sure to include information about if you are allergic to anything, take any other medications, vitamins or supplements or have ever had any of the following:
- heart problems, heart disease or have a history of a heart attack
- lung disorders
- kidney problems or liver disease
- a blood pressure disorder
- passing out
- endocrine disorders
- rhabdomyolysis (a breakdown of muscle fiber)
- NMS or neuroleptic malignant syndrome
- high pressure inside the eye (glaucoma)
- any mental illnesses
Stalevo Interactions
Stalevo may interact with other medications.
Notify your doctor about any other medicines you are taking, especially:
- tricyclic antidepressants
- MAO (monoamine oxidase) inhibitors
- antimicrobials or antibacterials such as furazolidone or ampicillin
- any sympathomimetics
- other Parkinson's treatments
- gastrointestinal medications including cholestyramine
- metoclorpramide (a nausea treatment)
- probenecid
- rifampin
- dopamine agonists such as apomorphine
- butyrophenones
- isoniazid
- papaverine or other vasodilators
- antihistamines
- risperidone
- blood pressure treatments
- digoxin
- iron salt supplements
Stalevo Treatment and Use
Stalevo|carbidopa, levedopa, and entacapone is a antidyskinetic marketed by Novartis for treating and manage certain side effects of Parkinson’s disease. Stalevo includes a combination of carbidopa, levedopa and entacapone to alleviate these symptoms and increase the patient’s amount of active time during the day.
How Does Stalevo Work?
Stalevo works to lessen symptoms of Parkinson’s disease through the action of carbidopa, levedopa and entacapone. Levedopa transforms into dopamine within the brain to replace the dopamine chemicals that had been lost due to Parkinson’s disease. Balanced levels of dopamine increase the patient’s ability to walk, speak, and perform other activities. Carbidopa and entacapone in Stalevo maintain the amount of levedopa released into the body and increase the amount of time the medicine remains in the body by blocking chemicals that break down levedopa. This accounts for long lasting improvement in motor functions.
How to Use Stalevo
Stalevo is available in tablet form in doses of 50mg, 75mg, 100mg, 125mg, 150mg, and 200mg depending on the type of treatment. Tablets should be taken with a full glass of water, swallowed whole without breaking or chewing. Stalevo may be taken with food to prevent upset stomach. Do not take Staleo within 4 hours of taking iron salts. High protein diets may affect the absorption of Stalevo. Talk to your doctor about diet information while taking Stalevo.
Use Stalevo as prescribed and do not end use of Stalevo suddenly, this can result in serious side effects. Take Stalevo as directed by your doctor.