Before you begin taking a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should take this medication.
Behavioural and mood changes: Entacapone may cause mood and psychiatric changes, including hallucinations, hypersexuality, pathological gambling, and increased libido. Tell your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any unusual changes in your behaviour, have thoughts of harming yourself, or feel depressed.
If you have depression or a history of depression, discuss with your doctor how Entacapone may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Entacapone, and whether any special monitoring is needed. If you experience symptoms of depression such as poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, or notice them in a family member who is taking Entacapone contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Diarrhea: Diarrhea is a common side effect of Entacapone. It may appear as early as the first week of starting treatment or many months after starting treatment. For some people, the diarrhea causes weight loss. If you notice any weight loss or have excessive diarrhea, contact your doctor.
Dizziness/reduced alertness: Entacapone may cause low blood pressure or dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a lying or sitting position. People taking medications that can cause dizziness should rise slowly from sitting or lying down to reduce the possibility of severe dizziness or fainting. Do not drive, operate machinery, or perform other hazardous tasks until you have determined how Entacapone affects you.
Fructose intolerance: Entacapone contains fructose. If you have fructose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption, or sucrase-isomaltase insufficiency, you should not take Entacapone. Talk to your doctor.
Heart disease: Entacapone may cause an increase in the risk of heart attack or heart disease. If you have a history of heart disease, discuss with your doctor how Entacapone may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Entacapone to build up in the body, causing side effects. Entacapone is not recommended for people with liver problems.
Melanoma: People with Parkinson's disease may be at increased risk of developing melanoma (a type of Skin Cancer). It is not known if this increased risk is due to Parkinson's disease or to the medications used to treat Parkinson's disease. Your doctor will monitor you for skin cancer while you are taking Entacapone. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS): Entacapone may cause a potentially fatal reaction called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). If you develop symptoms of NMS, such as muscle stiffness, fever, confusion, sweating, or irregular heartbeat, stop taking Entacapone and seek immediate medical attention.
Prostate Cancer: A recent study has shown an increase in the number of cases of prostate cancer among men who have taken levodopa/carbidopa with or without entacapone for approximately 3 years. Although it is not clear whether this increased risk of prostate cancer is due to the medication or something else, it is important to have regular prostate examinations while taking medications for Parkinson's Disease.
Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown): Occasionally, Entacapone may cause rapid breakdown of muscle tissue. If you notice signs of muscle weakness or pain, high body temperature, unexpected bruising, confusion, or difficulty passing urine, contact your doctor immediately.
Stopping Entacapone: Stopping Entacapone too quickly can cause potentially life-threatening side effects. Before stopping this medication, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Do not stop taking Entacapone until you have spoken with your doctor first.
Sudden onset of sleep: There are reports of people who take this combination medication treatment (entacapone with levodopa - carbidopa) falling asleep without prior warning or drowsiness. If you have a sleep disorder, discuss this with your doctor. If you experience drowsiness while taking this medication, avoid driving or using machinery.
Pregnancy: Entacapone should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast feeding: It is not known if entacapone passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are using Entacapone, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Entacapone have not been established for children less than 18 years of age.
