Levodopa and Carbidopa Controlled Release tablet

What is this medicine?

CARBIDOPA; LEVODOPA is used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

What should my health care professional know before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• depression or other mental illness
• diabetes
• glaucoma
• heart disease, including history of a heart attack
• irregular heart beat
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• lung or breathing disease, like asthma
• melanoma or suspicious skin lesions
• stomach or intestine ulcers
• an unusual or allergic reaction to levodopa, carbidopa, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Swallow whole, do not crush or chew. You may cut the tablets in half. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• isoniazid, INH
• medicines called MAO Inhibitors like Nardil, Parnate, Marplan, Eldepryl
• procarbazine
• reserpine

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• droperidol
• iron supplements
• medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
• medicines for high blood pressure
• metoclopramide
• papaverine
• phenytoin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while taking this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. It may be several weeks or months before you feel the full benefits of this medicine. Continue to take your medicine on a regular schedule. Do not take any additional medicines for Parkinson's disease without first consulting with your health care provider.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

You may experience a "wearing off" effect prior to the time for your next dose of this medicine. You may also experience an "on-off" effect where the medicine apparently stops working for anything from a minute to several hours, then suddenly starts working again. Tell your doctor or health care professional if any of these symptoms happen to you. Your dose may need adjustment.

A high protein diet can slow or prevent absorption of this medicine. Avoid high protein foods near the time of taking this medicine to help to prevent these problems. Take this medicine at least 30 minutes before eating or one hour after meals. You may want to eat higher protein foods later in the day or in small amounts. Discuss your diet with your doctor or health care professional or nutritionist.

If you have diabetes, you may get a false-positive result for sugar in your urine. Check with your doctor or health care professional.

This medicine may discolor the urine or sweat, making it look darker or red in color. This is of no cause for concern. However, this may stain clothing or fabrics.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• anxiety, confusion, or nervousness
• fast or irregular heartbeat
• hallucinations
• mood changes like aggressive behavior, depression
• stomach pain
• trouble passing urine
• uncontrolled movements of the mouth, head, hands, feet, shoulders, eyelids or other unusual muscle movements

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• headache
• loss of appetite
• muscle twitches
• nausea, vomiting
• nightmares, trouble sleeping
• unusually weak or tired

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.