Stalevo 75 (Carbidopa/levodopa/entacapone)

Do’s

• The dosage of Stalevo 75 is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Your healthcare provider will prescribe the appropriate dose for you. Take the medication as instructed.
• Stalevo 75 should be taken by mouth with or without food, as directed by your healthcare provider. Taking it with food may help decrease nausea.
• Usually, Stalevo 75 is taken 3 to 4 times a day. Take only one tablet for each dose and swallow it whole.
• Try to take Stalevo 75 at the same times each day to maintain a consistent level of the medication in your system. This will help optimize its effectiveness. Setting a reminder or using a pill organizer may be helpful to remember your doses.
• Some patients may experience a "wearing-off" effect, where symptoms worsen before the next dose is due. An "on-off" effect may also occur, with sudden short periods of stiffness. If you experience these effects, contact your healthcare provider for possible dose adjustments to minimize these symptoms.
• Inform your healthcare provider if your condition does not improve or worsens while taking Stalevo 75.

Don’ts

• Do not adjust the prescribed dosage without consulting your healthcare provider.
• Do not crush, chew, or split the tablet, as it may affect the correct dose and cause staining of the mouth, dentures, and saliva.
• Avoid a high-protein diet, as it can reduce the absorption of levodopa. Also, avoid taking the medication with a high-fat, high-calorie meal, as it may delay the onset of its effects by about 2 hours. 
• Do not stop taking Stalevo 75 without consulting your healthcare provider. Suddenly discontinuing the medication may worsen certain conditions. If your healthcare provider decides to discontinue or adjust your dose, they will provide specific instructions to gradually reduce the dosage.

Common Side Effects:

• Diarrhea
• Dyskinesia (abnormal, involuntary movements)
• Hyperkinetic muscle activity
• Nausea
• Dark urine
• Urine discoloration
• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects. If you are taking Stalevo 75 and experience any unusual or severe side effects, contact your healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance.

Stalevo 75 may interact with other drugs you are taking. Consult a healthcare provider to ensure the safe use of Stalevo 75 with other medications.

The use of Stalevo 75 during pregnancy, nursing, or in children should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Stalevo 75 may cause increased sleepiness or episodes of falling asleep during the day. If you experience these effects, avoid driving or engaging in other potentially dangerous activities until you have discussed this with your healthcare provider. The risk of sleepiness is increased by using alcohol or other medications that can make you drowsy.

Avoid interrupting the dosing of Stalevo, as hyperpyrexia (elevated body temperature) has been reported in patients who suddenly discontinue or reduce their use of levodopa, one of the components of Stalevo.

The information provided is not exhaustive. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance regarding the use of Stalevo 75.