Stalevo 150 (Carbidopa/levodopa/entacapone)

Do’s

• Take Stalevo 150 by mouth with or without food, as directed by your healthcare provider. Taking it with food may help decrease nausea.
• The usual dosing frequency is 3 to 4 times a day. Take only one tablet for each dose and swallow the tablet whole.
• Separate your dose of Stalevo 150 by as many hours as possible from any iron supplements or products containing iron, as iron can reduce the amount of the medication absorbed by the body. 
• The dosage of Stalevo 150 is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Your healthcare provider may occasionally change your dose. 
• Use the medication regularly to get the most benefit from it, and take it at the same times each day to help you remember.
• Some patients may experience a "wearing-off" effect, where symptoms worsen before the next dose is due. An "on-off" effect, characterized by sudden short periods of stiffness, may also occur. If these effects occur, contact your healthcare provider for possible dose adjustments that may help lessen this effect.
• Inform your healthcare provider if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

Don’ts

• Do not crush, chew, or split the tablet, doing so may cause you to get the wrong 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, as it may decrease the amount of levodopa that your body takes in.
• Do not stop taking Stalevo 150 without consulting your healthcare provider. Some conditions may become worse when the medication is suddenly stopped. Withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, confusion, fever, and muscle stiffness, may occur if the medication is abruptly discontinued. To prevent withdrawal, your healthcare provider may lower your dose slowly. Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience withdrawal symptoms.

Common Side Effects:

• Diarrhea
• Dyskinesia (hyperkinetic muscle activity)
• Nausea
• Dark urine
• Urine discoloration
• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting

Consult with your healthcare provider if you experience any side effects while taking Stalevo.

Stalevo 150 may cause increased sleepiness or falling asleep during the day. Avoid driving or engaging in potentially dangerous activities until you have discussed these effects with your healthcare provider. The risk of these sleep-related effects may be increased by using alcohol or other medications that can make you drowsy.

Stalevo 150 should be used with caution in patients with certain medical conditions, such as liver or kidney disease, heart problems, glaucoma, or a history of melanoma. Inform your healthcare provider about your medical history and any pre-existing conditions before starting Stalevo 150.

Stalevo 150 may not be suitable for everyone. Consult with your healthcare provider before taking this medication, especially if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any concerns about its use in children or the elderly.

Avoid taking iron supplements without your healthcare provider's advice and avoid increasing the amount of protein in your diet, as these may interfere with the absorption and effectiveness of Stalevo 150.

Stalevo 150 may have potential drug interactions with other medications or supplements. Inform your healthcare provider about all the medications and supplements you are currently taking to avoid any potential interactions

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a rare but serious health problem that has been reported with the use of Stalevo. If you experience symptoms such as high fever, muscle stiffness, confusion, or changes in breathing or heartbeat, seek immediate medical attention.

This is not an exhaustive list of warnings and precautions. Consult with your healthcare provider or refer to the prescribing information for Stalevo 150 for a comprehensive understanding of the warnings and precautions associated with this medication.