Carbidopa/Levodopa Coupon & Discounts

Carbidopa/Levodopa Information:

• What

What is carbidopa/levodopa?

Carbidopa/levodopa is a combination drug sometimes referred to as levocarb that is used to treat Parkinson’s disease as well as DRD, or dopamine-responsive dystonia. The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are said to be a result of the destruction of dopamine-producing cells, and individuals with DRD have difficulty producing dopamine. Levodopa relieves symptoms of both diseases as it is converted to dopamine in the body. Caridopa acts as an aid to levodopa be increasing its efficacy and reducing the side effects of nausea and vomiting that are often induced by levodopa.

• How

How do I take carbidopa/levodopa?

Carbidopa/levodopa comes as an extended release (ER) tablet, regular tablet, or an orally disintegrating tablet. The frequency and size of dosage of this medication needed depends on the individual. Follow instructions given to you by your doctor.  Regular tablets and orally disintegrating tablets are usually taken three or four times a day. Carbidopa/levodopa ER is usually taken 2-4 times a day. Do not chew, break, or crush carbidopa levodopa ER tablets. This will result in an excessive dose of your medication. To take the orally disintegrating tablets, use dry hands to place the dose in your mouth and allow it to dissolve completely, and then swallow. No water is needed. Your doctor may gradually increase the size of your dosage over time to find what works best for you. Never abruptly stop treatment with carbidopa/levodopa. This can cause dangerous side effects. If you wish to stop using your medication, have your doctor slowly decrease your dose.

• Precautions

Before taking carbidopa/levodopa , tell your doctor if:

• You are allergic to any of the ingredients in this medication or if you’ve had a bad reaction to similar medications
• You have eye problems, especially wide-angle glaucoma.
• You suffer from any mental or mood disorders.
• You have a history of blood or heart problems such as angina or irregular heartbeat.
• You have kidney or liver disease.
• You have asthma or other lung problems.
• You have diabetes.
• You are pregnant or breast-feeding.
• You suffer from gastrointestinal ulcers.
• You have seizures.
• You have a history of skin cancer or any suspicious growths that haven’t been diagnosed.
• You are taking prescription or nonprescription drugs, vitamins or supplements, especially MAO inhibitors and other antidepressants, medications for mental disorders, antihistamines, iron supplements, isoniazid, vitamin B6, medications for GERD,  irritable bowel syndrome or ulcers, blood pressure medications, mediations for nausea or motion sickness, papaverine, anticonvulsants, and other drugs for Parkinson’s disease.
• Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of taking carbidopa/levodopa?

Side effects from taking carbidopa levodopa include weakness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, headache, muscle twitching, and nightmares. Rare but serious side effects include signs of infection, tingling in the hands or feet, seizures, chest pain, blurred vision, fainting, high fever, vomit that looks like ground coffee, and black or bloody stools. If you experience any of these side effects, contact your doctor at once. This medication may cause your urine, sweat, and saliva to change color. This is usually a harmless side effect.

• Missed Dose

What if I forget to take a dose of carbidopa/levodopa?

If you miss a dose of carbidopa/levodopa or carbidopa/levodopa ER, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose or two consecutive doses of carbidopa levodopa to make up for a missed one.

• Storage

How do I store carbidopa/levodopa?

Store carbidopa levodopa tightly closed in its container at a room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Protect it from light and moisture and keep it away from children and pets.

• Overdose

What happens if I overdose on carbidopa/levodopa?

Signs of overdose on carbidopa levodopa include severe nausea and vomiting, fainting, weakness, diarrhea, confusion, hallucinations, twitching and spasms. If you think you have overdosed on carbidopa levodopa, call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim is unconscious, call 911.

• Additional Info

Warnings

This medication may make you drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how carbidopa levodopa affects you. This medication may cause involuntary movements or changes in mood. Report these events to your doctor at once. Vitamin B6 reduces the efficacy of this medication.

Brand Names

Brand names for generic carbidopa/levodopa include Sinemet and Parcopa. Combination drugs include Stalevo. Search HelpRx to get free coupons for carbidopa levodopa, carbidopa levodopa ER, Sinemet, Parcopa and Stalevo. Present these coupons in your local pharmacy and get up to 57% off the retail price.