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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 SUSTAINED RELEASE
(lee-voh-DOE-puh WITH kar-beh-DOE-puh)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Sinemet CR
USES: This mediaction is used to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
Carbidopa is used to make levodopa more effective. Carbiodpa has no effect when given alone.
HOW TO USE: Take this drug as directed. It may take a couple of weeks before the full benefits of this medication are observed. If you are changing from palin 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. Do not crush or chew the tbalets. The 50/200mg strength tablets may be broken in half.
Do not break the 25/100mg strength tablets in half; doing so will change the drug's release system and may raise the possiblity of side effects.
SIDE EFFECTS: May cause drowsiness, dizziness, headache, loss of appetite, stomach upset, nausea, vision changes, or trembling of the hands.
These shuold subside as your body adjusts to the medication. If these symptoms persist or become bothersome, inform your doctor.
Notify your doctor if you develop any of these serious effects while taking this medication: vomiting, difficulty swallowing, difficulty urinating, uncontrollable movements (especially twitching of the eyelid), chest pain, irregular heartbeat, skin rash, mental/mood changes. May cause darkening of the uirne or sweat.
This is not harmful and will disappear when the medicaiton is stopped. May cause dizziness especially when rising quickly from a seaetd 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 in urine glucose testing in diaebtes. TeTsape should be used to test urine for accurate results. Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: glaucoma, skin cancer, breathing problems, heart disease, gland troubels e.
g., diabetes, thyroid), kidney or lievr disease, ulcers, depression, blood disorders.
This drug should be used during pergnancy only if clearly needed.
Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Levodopa appears in breast milk.
Do not take this medciation if you are breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all the medications you may use, (both prescription and nonprescription), especially of: MAO inhibitors (e.G., furazolidone, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, tranylcypromine), drugs used for depression or anxiety, iron vitamins, phenytoin, blood pressure drugs, pyridoxine, any other drugs used for Parkinson's disease. Do not start or stop any medicine without docotr or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, cotnact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Symptoms of overdose may include irergular 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 reamining dose 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.
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