Rytary (Carbidopa/Levodopa ER)

Do’s

• Take Rytary by mouth as directed by your healthcare provider, typically 3 times a day.
• Swallow the capsules whole without crushing or chewing them to avoid releasing the drug all at once, which can increase the risk of side effects.
• If you have difficulty swallowing the capsule, you may open it and sprinkle the entire contents onto a small amount of applesauce. Consume the mixture immediately without chewing it. 
• Rytary can be taken with or without food. The first dose of the day should be taken approximately 1 to 2 hours before eating. Consult your healthcare provider for the best way to take this medication.
• Administer the dosage regularly at the same times each day. The specific dosage is determined based on your medical condition and response to treatment
• Some individuals may experience a "wearing-off" effect of the medication just before the next dose is due, or an "on-off" effect at other times. If these effects occur and bother you, inform your healthcare provider.
• Inform your healthcare provider if your condition does not improve or worsens.

Don’ts

• Do not prepare a mixture in advance for later use.
• Avoid high-protein diets, as they may reduce the medication's absorption. Additionally, avoid taking Rytary with a high-fat, high-calorie meal, as this can delay the onset of the medication's effects by about 2 hours. 
• Do not adjust your dosage of this or any other medication without consulting your healthcare provider first.
• Do not discontinue the medication without consulting your healthcare provider, as certain conditions may worsen when the medication is suddenly stopped. Withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, confusion, fever, and muscle stiffness, may occur if the medication is suddenly stopped. To prevent withdrawal, your healthcare provider may gradually reduce your dosage. Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience withdrawal symptoms.

Mild Side Effects

• Nausea
• Headache

While serious side effects are possible, they are less common. Discuss any concerns about potential serious side effects with your healthcare provider

Consult with your healthcare provider for more detailed information about the potential side effects of Rytary and how to manage them.

Do not use Rytary if you are allergic to carbidopa or levodopa.

Rytary should not be used if you have narrow-angle glaucoma.

Avoid using Rytary if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine.

Certain side effects such as sleepiness and dizziness reported with Rytary may affect some patients' ability to drive and operate machinery safely

Instruct patients, family members, and caregivers to notify their healthcare provider if suicide attempts and/or suicidal ideation are experienced by patients using Rytary.

Consult with your healthcare provider for a comprehensive understanding of the warnings and precautions associated with Rytary. Additionally, individuals can refer to the official prescribing information for Rytary for detailed warnings and precautions.