Tasmar

Tasmar is used with other medicines (carbidopa and levodopa) to help treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease, including stiffness, tremors, muscle spasms, and poor muscle control. This medicine raises the levels of levodopa in the body.

Tasmar is typically given to people who are already using carbidopa and levodopa but have not had enough success in managing their symptoms.

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

Your doctor will do blood tests to ensure you do not have conditions that would make it unsafe for you to use Tasmar.

Follow all instructions on your prescription label. Your doctor may sometimes adjust your dose. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for a longer time than recommended.

Do not take Tasmar as your only Parkinson's medication. This medicine must be used together with carbidopa and levodopa.

Tasmar is usually taken three times a day. The first dose is taken with your first daily dose of carbidopa and levodopa. The second and third doses of tolcapone are taken 6 and 12 hours later.

Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very closely.

Tasmar can be taken with or without food.

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

Your liver function will need to be checked frequently: Every 2 to 4 weeks for the first 6 months of treatment, and then as often as your doctor advises.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 3 weeks of treatment.

Do not stop using Tasmar suddenly, or you could experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to safely stop using this medicine.

Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container, away from moisture and heat.

You should not use this medicine if you have liver disease, if you have ever had liver problems caused by Tasmar, or if you have ever experienced muscle damage or fever and confusion due to any medication.

Do not use Tasmar if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the last 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.

Tasmar can lead to liver failure. Call your doctor immediately if you notice unusual tiredness, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). Your liver function will need to be monitored regularly.

You should not use Tasmar if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• liver disease;
• a history of liver problems caused by Tasmar; or
• a history of muscle damage or fever and confusion caused by using any medication.

Do not use Tasmar if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

Tasmar can cause liver failure. You may need to read and sign a Patient Consent form before you receive a prescription for this medicine.

To ensure Tasmar is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• liver disease;
• kidney disease; or
• low blood pressure.

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.

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

It is not known whether tolcapone passes into breast milk or if it could affect the nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.

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

In rare cases, Tasmar can cause a condition that leads to the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, which can result in kidney failure. Call your doctor immediately if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, or dark colored urine.

Also call your doctor right away if you have:

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• severe or ongoing diarrhea;
• confusion, hallucinations (hearing or seeing something that is not there), unusual thoughts or behavior;
• worsening tremors, stiffness, or muscle spasms; or
• liver problems—nausea, loss of appetite, right-sided upper stomach pain, tiredness, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Certain side effects may be more likely in older adults.

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

Common side effects of Tasmar may include:

• dizziness, drowsiness;
• nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite;
• sleep problems, increased dreaming; or
• muscle cramps.

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 compensate for the missed dose.

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

An overdose can cause vomiting and severe dizziness.

This medication may affect your thinking or reactions. Be cautious if you drive or do anything that needs you to be alert.

Avoid standing up too quickly from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.

Drinking alcohol with Tasmar can cause side effects.

Taking Tasmar with other medications that cause drowsiness can increase this effect. Check with your doctor before using a sleeping pill, opioid pain reliever, muscle relaxant, or medication for anxiety, depression, or seizures.

Other drugs may interact with tolcapone, including both prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor about all the medicines you are currently taking and any new medicine you begin or stop using.