Stalevo 125 (Carbidopa/levodopa/entacapone)

Do’s

• Stalevo 125 should be taken orally, either with or without food, as directed by your healthcare provider. Taking it with food may help decrease nausea.
• The usual dosage is 3 to 4 times a day, with one tablet taken for each dose. Swallow the tablet whole.
• Take Stalevo 125 at regular intervals to maintain a steady amount of the drug in your body throughout the day. Your healthcare provider may occasionally adjust your dose based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
• If you experience a "wearing-off" effect, where your symptoms worsen before the next dose is due, or an "on-off" effect, characterized by sudden short periods of stiffness, contact your healthcare provider. They may consider adjusting your dose to help alleviate these effects.
• Take Stalevo 125 regularly and at the same times each day to derive the maximum benefit from the medication. 
• If your condition does not improve or worsens, consult your healthcare provider for further guidance

Don’ts

• Do not crush, chew, or split the tablet, as doing so may result in an incorrect dose and may also cause staining of the mouth, dentures, and saliva.
• Avoid a high-protein diet during treatment, unless directed otherwise by your healthcare provider. A high-protein diet can decrease the amount of levodopa that your body absorbs, potentially affecting the effectiveness of the medication
• Do not stop taking Stalevo 125 without consulting your healthcare provider, as abruptly discontinuing the medication can worsen certain conditions. Withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, confusion, fever, and muscle stiffness, may occur if the medication is suddenly stopped. Your healthcare provider may gradually reduce your dose to prevent withdrawal symptoms, especially if you have been using Stalevo for a long time or in high doses.

Common Side Effects:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Insomnia
• Abnormal dreams
• Loss of appetite
• Dry mouth
• Fatigue
• Urine discoloration

Inform your healthcare provider if any of these side effects persist or worsen.

Serious Side Effects:

• Hallucinations
• Severe drowsiness or sleepiness
• Fainting or lightheadedness upon standing up
• Irregular heartbeat
• Mental/mood changes such as agitation, confusion, or depression
• Uncontrolled movements or muscle twitching
• Changes in sexual desire or ability
• Allergic reactions such as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, seek medical attention immediately.

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects, and others may occur. Discuss any concerns or questions about side effects with your healthcare provider.

Stalevo 125 may cause drowsiness or sudden episodes of falling asleep during normal daytime activities, such as working, talking, eating, or driving. If you experience daytime sleepiness or drowsiness, inform your healthcare provider.

Stalevo 125 may impair your reactions. Avoid driving or engaging in hazardous activities until you know how the medication affects you.

Getting up too quickly from a sitting or lying position may cause dizziness. Rise slowly to minimize this effect.

Taking iron supplements or consuming a high-protein diet may interfere with the absorption and effectiveness of Stalevo 125. Avoid increasing iron intake or significantly altering protein consumption without consulting your healthcare provider.

The risk of experiencing sleepiness or drowsiness while taking Stalevo 125 is increased when alcohol or other medications that can cause drowsiness are used concurrently. Discuss the use of alcohol or sedatives with your healthcare provider.

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, consult your healthcare provider before taking Stalevo 125. The risks and benefits of using Stalevo during pregnancy or breastfeeding should be discussed with them.

This is not an exhaustive list of warnings and precautions for Stalevo 125. If you have any concerns or questions, consult with your healthcare provider.