INTRODUCTION
ENTACOM contains Entacapone which belongs to a group of medicines called Anti-Parkinson agent and COMT Inhibitor. It is used together with levodopa to treat Parkinson’s disease. This medicine increases the activity of levodopa in relieving the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
Entacapone is used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease as an adjunct to levodopa/carbidopa therapy. When ENTACOM is taken with levodopa, it results in more sustained levodopa serum levels. These sustained levels of levodopa provides increased levels of dopamine in CNS, which is an active metabolite of levodopa.
Always take this ENTACOM exactly as directed by your doctor. Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor if you have liver, kidney or heart problems. It is not suitable for children and adolescents below 18 years of age. The common side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and uncontrolled movements.
USES OF ENTACOM
- Treat parkinson’s disease with levodopa
HOW ENTACOM WORKS
ENTACOM works by inhibiting a chemical messenger catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), which helps in increasing the amount of dopamine in the brain. An adequate amount of dopamine in the brain helps to coordinate body movements to control symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
DIRECTIONS FOR USE
Always take ENTACOM exactly as your doctor has told you. Swallow as a whole, do not crush or chew. It can be taken with or without food.
SIDE EFFECTS OF ENTACOM
COMMON
- Uncontrollable movements (difficulty in performing voluntary movements)
- Nausea, vomiting
- Reddish-brown discoloration of urine
- Excessive movements (hyperkinesias)
- Worsening of symptoms of Parkinson’s disease
- Prolonged muscle cramps (dystonia)
- Diarrhoea, abdominal pain, constipation
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness, tiredness, increased sweating, falling
- Hallucinations
- Sleeplessness
- Vivid dreams and confusion
- Heart or artery disease events (chest pain, angina)
RARE
- Rashes, redness or bumps on the skin
- Abnormal results in liver function tests
- Agitation
- Decreased appetite
- Weight loss
- Hives
HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS
Nausea:
Stick to simple normal meals and do not eat rich or spicy foods.
Diarrhoea:
Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. ORS should be used to prevent dehydration.
Vomiting:
Drink clear or ice-cold drinks. Eat light, bland foods and avoid fried, greasy, or sweet foods.
Constipation:
Add fruits, vegetables whole grains and other high-fiber foods to your normal diet.
Dizziness:
Get up and move around to feel awake, take small naps to edge off the sleepiness. Give your eyes a break to avoid fatigue and eat a healthy food to boost energy.
Abdominal pain:
Place a warm water bottle on your abdomen. Soak in a warm bath. Drink plenty of clear fluids and water.
Dry mouth:
Chew sugar-free gum or candies to stimulate the flow of saliva and limit your caffeine intake. Drink small sips of water regularly.
WARNING & PRECAUTIONS
PREGNANCY
ENTACOM is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
BREASTFEEDING
ENTACOM is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
DRIVING AND USING MACHINES
Do not drive or operate machinery while taking this medicine, since it may cause light-headedness or dizziness.
KIDNEY
ENTACOM should be used with caution in patients suffering from active kidney diseases. Consult your doctor for advice.
LIVER
ENTACOM is not recommended in patients with active liver diseases. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
ALLERGY
Do not take if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to Entacapone.
HEART DISEASE
ENTACOM should be used with caution if you ever had a heart attack or any other active heart diseases. Consult your doctor for advice.
OTHERS
Inform your doctor if you have or had,
- Phaeochromocytoma (a tumour of the adrenal gland)
- Rhabdomyolysis (a rare muscle disorder)
- Low blood pressure
- Unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness, or sensitivity to pressure
- Prolonged diarrhoea (inflammation of the colon)
- Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
INTERACTIONS
Inform your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription or the following,
- Phenelzine, moclobemide, tranylcypromine, amitriptyline, maprotiline, venlafaxine, paroxetine and desipramine (used to treat depression)
- Moclobemide and selegiline (monoamine oxidase inhibitors type A&B)
- Rimiterole, isoprenaline, adrenaline, noradrenaline, dopamine, dobutamine, alpha-methyldopa, apomorphine
- Warfarin (used to thin the blood)
- Iron supplements
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