Stalevo 50/12.5/200 Mg Tab

Stalevo 50/12.5/200 mg is a medication used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease (shaking palsy). It contains a combination of three active ingredients: Levodopa 50 mg, Carbidopa 12.5 mg, and Entacapone 200 mg. Together, they work to increase dopamine levels in the brain, helping to improve movement, control motor symptoms, and reduce "wearing-off" periods between doses.

Benefits and Uses of Stalevo 50/12.5/200 mg

Stalevo is used to help in:

• Treating the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

• Improving movement and reducing tremors and muscle stiffness.

• Limiting the "wearing-off" phenomenon that can occur when levodopa is used alone.

• Improving the ability to perform daily activities for Parkinson's patients.

How to Use Stalevo

• This medication must only be used according to the doctor's instructions.

• Tablets should be swallowed whole with sufficient water, without breaking, crushing, or chewing them.

• It can be taken with or without food. If it causes stomach upset or nausea, it is preferable to take it with a light snack.

• It is advised to avoid high-protein meals at the same time, as they can reduce the absorption of the medication.

• The doctor determines the appropriate dosage and frequency of use based on the patient's condition and response to treatment.

Warning: This is a prescription-only medication and must be used under the supervision of a physician specializing in the treatment of Parkinson's disease or neurological disorders.

Possible Side Effects

Stalevo may cause some side effects, including:

• Nausea or vomiting.

• Dizziness or low blood pressure when standing up (orthostatic hypotension).

• Involuntary movements (dyskinesia).

• Drowsiness or sudden sleep onset episodes.

• Diarrhea.

• Reddish-brown discoloration of the urine, which is a common and harmless effect in most cases.

• Hallucinations or mental confusion in some patients.

Precautions and Warnings

• Do not use the medication if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.

• Use with caution in patients with liver or heart disease.

• It may cause severe drowsiness or sudden sleep episodes; therefore, avoid driving or operating machinery until you are certain of the medication's effect on you.

• Do not stop treatment abruptly without consulting your doctor.

• Inform your doctor if you suffer from narrow-angle glaucoma or tumors that secrete catecholamines.

• Do not use during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless the doctor determines that the benefits outweigh the risks.

• The medication contains sucrose, so you should inform your doctor if you have an intolerance to certain types of sugars.

Drug Interactions

Stalevo may interact with certain medications, such as:

• Non-selective monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors.

• Certain antipsychotics.

• Certain antidepressants.

• Medications used to treat high blood pressure.

• Iron supplements: It is preferable to separate iron intake from this medication, as taking them at the same time can reduce levodopa absorption.

Therefore, you must inform your doctor or pharmacist about all medications and dietary supplements you are using before starting treatment.

Storage and Handling

• Store at room temperature.

• Keep away from moisture and direct heat.

• Keep in the original container until time of use.

• Keep out of reach of children.

Ingredients

• Active Ingredients (per tablet):

• Levodopa 50 mg.

• Carbidopa 12.5 mg.

• Entacapone 200 mg.

• Inactive Ingredients:

• The medication may contain excipients such as:

• Sucrose.

• Cellulose.

• Corn starch.

• Titanium dioxide.

• Other auxiliary ingredients involved in the manufacturing and coating of the tablet.