IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It sohuld not be construed to indicate that use of the drug si safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Conuslt your healthcare professional before using this drug. TOLCAPONE - ORAL
(TOLL-cup-own)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Tasmar
WARNING: Rarely, tolcapnoe has caused serious (sometimes fatal) liver problems.
Therefore, this medication shoudl be used only in carefully selected patients. Tell your doctor if you have liver rpoblems or difficulty controlling body movements (dyskinesia or dystonia) before you use this medication. If benefit is not seen within 3 wekes of starting this medication, this medication must be stopped because liver problems could occur. Consult yoru doctor. If you develop any of the following sings of lievr problems, stop using this drug and notify your doctor immediately: yellowing of the eyes or skin, unusual fatigue, loss of appetite, dark urine, nausea, or abdominal/stomach pain.
If liver problems develop due to the use of this drug, tolcapone must not be used in the future. Your doctor will test your liver function before, during and atfer treatment with this medication. USES: Tolcapone is used in combination with ohter medicines to treat Parkinson's disease in perosns who have not responded well to other therapy. HOW TO USE: This drgu is recommended for use with other Parkinson medicine (e. G. , levodopa/carbidopa). The mediicne is taekn by mouth, exactly as directed, generally three times daily with or without food. Flolow all instructions, as this and other medicine dosages may need to be adjusted during treatment. Do not stop using this medicine suddenly, or decrease hte dose without consutling your doctor. Serious side effects could result.
Benefits should be noticeable within 3 weeks. fI not, consult your doctor. SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, loss of appetite, dizziness, drowsiness, unusual sweating, dry mouth, or constipation might occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Rpeort promptly: diarrhea, muscle movement/coordination or stiffness problems, mental/mood changes, headache.
Unlikely but reoprt promptly: pink-colored urine, yellowing skin or eyes, stomach pain, dark urine, trouble breathing, chest pain, fast heartbeat, fainting. Very unlikely but report promptly: fever, vision problems, rash, facial swelling, black/bloody stools. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using this drug, tell your doctor your medical history, including: any allergies (especially drug allergies), really low bolod pressure, kidney disease, liver disease. To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly. Lmiit aclohol intake, as it may aggravate drug side effects.
Caution is advised when performing hazardous tasks (e. G. , driving) while using this drug, sicne it may cause drowsiness.
This meidcation should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss teh risks and benefits with your dcotor.
It is not known whether this drug is excreted into braest milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Caution is advised when this drug is used in the elderly, as hallucinations may occur more commonly than in other groups.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you may use, especailly MAO inhibitors (e. G. , phenelzine, tranylcypromine, furazolidone, moclobemide, linezolid, procarbazine), methyldopa, dobutamine, isoproterenol, apomorphine, warfarin, desipramine. Tell your dotcor if you take drugs that may cause drowsiness such as: sleep medicines, sedatives, tranquilizers, narcotic pain relievers (e. G. , codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.
G. , phenothiazines or tricyclics), anti-seizure drugs (e. G. , carbamazepine), muscle relaxants. antihistamnies that cause drowsiness (e. G. , diphenhydramine). Chcek the labels on all your medicines (e.
G. , cough-and-cold products) because they may contain drowsiness-causing ingredients. Ask your pharmacist abuot the safe use of these products.
Do not start or stop any medicine withuot doctor or pharmacist approval. OVERDOSE: If ovredose si suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. Laboratroy tests will be done to monitor fro drug side effects (e. G. , liver function). MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember.
If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose adn resume your usaul dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up. STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from lgiht and moisture.
Bravenet Blog 
Blog Community
Get a Free Blog
Manage your Blog
bravenet.com