Comtan

When taken with carbidopa and levodopa (Atamet, Parcopa, Sinemet), Comtan raises the levels of levodopa in the body.

Comtan is used along with carbidopa and levodopa to help manage "wearing-off" symptoms of Parkinson's disease, including stiffness, tremors, muscle spasms, and poor muscle control.

Comtan may also be used for other reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to ensure you get the best results. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Comtan must be taken together with carbidopa and levodopa. This medicine used alone will not treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

Comtan can be taken with or without food. Taking the medicine with food may help prevent nausea, which is a common side effect of entacapone.

Drink plenty of liquids while you are taking Comtan.

Comtan may cause you to fall asleep during normal daytime activities such as working, talking, eating, or driving. You may fall asleep suddenly, even after feeling alert. Tell your doctor if you have any problems with daytime sleepiness or drowsiness.

Call your doctor if you have ongoing vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are sweating more than usual. You can easily become dehydrated while taking this medicine, which can lead to severely low blood pressure or a serious electrolyte imbalance.

You should not stop using Comtan suddenly. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Follow all instructions on your medicine label and package. Inform each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you take.

You should not use Comtan if you are allergic to it.

To make sure Comtan is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• low blood pressure;
• liver disease; or
• a history of mental illness or psychosis.

You may have increased sexual urges, unusual urges to gamble, or other intense urges while taking Comtan. Talk with your doctor if this happens.

People with Parkinson's disease may have a higher risk of skin cancer (melanoma). Talk to your doctor about this risk and what skin symptoms to watch for. You may need to have regular skin exams.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It is not known whether entacapone passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Comtan may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you experience:

• agitation, confusion, unusual thoughts or behavior;
• hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that aren't there);
• very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, feeling faint;
• severe or ongoing diarrhea;
• restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck (or worsening of Parkinson symptoms); or
• unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, and dark colored urine.

You may notice that your urine appears orange, red, brown, or black. This is not a harmful side effect unless you also have muscle pain and unusual weakness.

Common side effects of Comtan may include:

• dizziness, drowsiness;
• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain;
• diarrhea;
• dry mouth; or
• uncontrolled muscle movements.

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Signs of an overdose may include agitation and aggression, or severe drowsiness, confusion, and loss of consciousness.

This medication may affect your thinking or reactions. Be cautious if you drive or do anything that needs you to be alert. Comtan can make you fall asleep suddenly, even if you feel awake.

Avoid standing up too quickly from a sitting or lying position, as you may feel dizzy. Stand up slowly and steady yourself to avoid falling.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some side effects of entacapone.

Taking Comtan with other medicines that make you sleepy can make you feel sleepier. Ask your doctor before taking Comtan with a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you use, and any that you start or stop while you are being treated with Comtan, especially:

• isocarboxazid;
• linezolid;
• methylene blue injection;
• phenelzine; or
• tranylcypromine.

This list is not complete. Other medicines may interact with entacapone, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.