Indications 

Stalevo 75 is a combination medication used to treat symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, such as shakiness, stiffness, and difficulty moving. It is typically used in patients with Parkinson’s disease who experience end-of-dose motor fluctuations that are not adequately controlled with levodopa alone.  

Stalevo contains three active ingredients: carbidopa, levodopa, and entacapone. Carbidopa helps prevent the breakdown of levodopa in the bloodstream, allowing more of it to reach the brain and be converted into dopamine. Entacapone prolongs the effects of levodopa in the brain by inhibiting the enzyme that breaks it down. 

Use and Dosage 

Stalevo 75 is a tablet medication that is typically administered orally and can be taken with or without food, as directed by your healthcare provider. The usual recommended frequency of administration is 3 to 4 times a day. 

To ensure proper ingestion, swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet, unless specifically instructed to do so by your healthcare professional. Follow the prescribed dosage and administration schedule provided by your healthcare professional. The specific dosage and frequency of administration will be determined based on individual factors such as the severity of symptoms and response to treatment. 

If a dose is missed, take the missed dose as soon as possible. However, if the time for the next scheduled dose is near, skip the missed dose and resume with the regular dosing schedule. 

Side Effects 

Common Side Effects  

• Anxiety  
• Back pain  
• Blurred vision  
• Changes in your sense of taste  
• Constipation  
• Diarrhea  
• Difficulty sleeping (insomnia) 
• Dizziness  
• Drowsiness  
• Dry mouth  
• Headache  
• Loss of appetite  
• Muscle cramps  
• Nausea  
• Skin rash or itching  
• Stomach pain or upset  
• Strange dreams  
• Unusual skin changes  
• Vomiting  

Serious Side Effects  

• Black or tarry stools 
• Blurred vision 
• Change in the amount of urine 
• Chest pain 
• Confusion 
• Diarrhea 
• Difficulty breathing 
• Easy bleeding or bruising 
• Eye pain 
• Fainting 
• Fast or irregular heartbeat 
• Fever 
• Greatly increased eye blinking or twitching 
• Hallucinations 
• Hives 
• Mood changes 
• Muscle pain tenderness or weakness 
• New or worsening muscle spasm 
• Persistent sore throat 
• Rapid breathing  
• Severe abdominal pain 
• Severe confusion 
• Severe dizziness 
• Sweating 
• Swelling of your face lips tongue or throat 
• Thoughts of suicide 
• Tingling of the hands or feet 
• Unusual muscle stiffness 
• Unusual strong urges (increased gambling sexual urges) 
• Unusual tiredness 
• Vision changes 
• Vomit that looks like coffee grounds Agitation  

Cautions 

• Cardiovascular Effects: Stalevo 75 may cause changes in blood pressure and heart rate. It should be used with caution in patients with a history of cardiovascular disease, as it may exacerbate these conditions. 
• Psychiatric Effects: Stalevo may cause or worsen psychiatric symptoms such as hallucinations, paranoia, confusion, and depression. Patients with a history of psychiatric disorders should be closely monitored while taking Stalevo. 
• Dyskinesias: Stalevo can cause or exacerbate dyskinesias (involuntary movements), particularly at higher doses or with long-term use. Adjustments in dosage or medication regimen may be necessary to manage these effects. 
• Melanoma: There have been reports of an increased risk of melanoma in patients with Parkinson’s disease who are treated with levodopa, one of the active ingredients in Stalevo 75. Patients should be regularly monitored for skin changes and advised to undergo regular skin examinations. 
• Peptic Ulcer Disease: Stalevo may increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with a history of peptic ulcer disease. It should be used with caution in these patients and appropriate monitoring should be implemented. 
• Liver Function: The tablet may cause liver function abnormalities. Patients with pre-existing liver disease or elevated liver enzymes should be closely monitored while taking Stalevo 75. 
• Interactions: Stalevo 75 may interact with other medications, including antidepressants, antipsychotics, MAO inhibitors, and other Parkinson’s disease medications.  
• Renal Impairment: Stalevo 75 should be used with caution in patients with renal impairment. Dose adjustments may be necessary in these individuals to prevent drug accumulation and potential adverse effects. 
• Hepatic Impairment: Stalevo 75 should be used with caution in patients with hepatic impairment. The dosage may need to be adjusted based on the severity of liver dysfunction. 
• Narrow-Angle Glaucoma: Stalevo 75 may increase intraocular pressure and should be used with caution in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma. Regular eye examinations are recommended in individuals taking Stalevo 75. 
• Dopamine Dysregulation Syndrome: Stalevo 75 may increase the risk of dopamine dysregulation syndrome, which is characterized by addictive behaviors, excessive medication use, and impulsive behaviors.  
• Abrupt Discontinuation: Stalevo 75 should not be abruptly discontinued, as it may lead to a sudden worsening of Parkinson’s disease symptoms. If the medication needs to be stopped, it should be done gradually under the guidance of a healthcare professional. 
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: The safety of Stalevo 75 during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been fully established. It should only be used if the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks, and under the guidance of a healthcare professional. 
• Surgery: Stalevo 75 may interfere with certain anesthetic agents. Inform your healthcare provider if you are scheduled for surgery, as adjustments in your medication regimen may be necessary.