Indications 

Stalevo 50 is a medication that belongs to the class of drugs known as dopa-decarboxylase inhibitors. It is a combination medicine used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Stalevo 50 contains three active ingredients: carbidopa, levodopa, and entacapone. 

Carbidopa helps prevent the breakdown of levodopa in the bloodstream, allowing more of it to reach the brain. Levodopa is converted into dopamine in the brain, which helps to control movement and alleviate Parkinson symptoms. Entacapone works by prolonging the effects of levodopa, allowing for better control of symptoms, and reducing the occurrence of end-of-dose motor fluctuations. 

Use and Dosage 

Stalevo comes in the form of tablet to take it orally as directed by your doctor usually 3 times or 4 times a day. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet, as it is designed to release the medication slowly. Stalevo 50 may be taken at regular intervals throughout the day. 

The tablet should be taken as prescribed by a healthcare professional. The dosage and frequency of administration will depend on individual factors such as the severity of symptoms and response to treatment.  

Take Stalevo 50 as prescribed and do not miss any doses. If you accidentally miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one. 

Side Effects 

Common Side Effects 

• Anxiety  
• Back pain  
• Blurred vision  
• Changes in your sense of taste  
• Constipation  
• Diarrhea  
• Difficulty sleeping (insomnia) 
• Dizziness  
• Drowsiness  
• Dry mouth  
• Headache  
• Loss of appetite  
• Muscle cramps  
• Nausea  
• Skin rash or itching  
• Stomach pain or upset  
• Strange dreams  
• Unusual skin changes  
• Vomiting 

Serious Side Effects 

• Black or tarry stools 
• Blurred vision 
• Change in the amount of urine 
• Chest pain 
• Confusion 
• Diarrhea 
• Difficulty breathing 
• Easy bleeding or bruising 
• Eye pain 
• Fainting 
• Fast or irregular heartbeat 
• Fever 
• Greatly increased eye blinking or twitching 
• Hallucinations 
• Hives 
• Mood changes 
• Muscle pain tenderness or weakness 
• New or worsening muscle spasm 
• Persistent sore throat 
• Rapid breathing  
• Severe abdominal pain 
• Severe confusion 
• Severe dizziness 
• Sweating 
• Swelling of your face lips tongue or throat 
• Thoughts of suicide 
• Tingling of the hands or feet 
• Unusual muscle stiffness 
• Unusual strong urges (increased gambling sexual urges) 
• Unusual tiredness 
• Vision changes 
• Vomit that looks like coffee grounds Agitation 

Cautions 

• Hypotension: Stalevo 50 can cause low blood pressure, leading to dizziness or fainting. Caution should be exercised in patients with a history of low blood pressure or those taking medications that lower blood pressure. 
• Psychiatric effects: Stalevo may cause or worsen mental health conditions such as hallucinations, confusion, or psychosis. Patients with a history of psychiatric disorders should be closely monitored while taking Stalevo. 
• Melanoma: There have been reports of an increased risk of melanoma in patients treated with levodopa, one of the active ingredients in Stalevo. Regular skin examinations are recommended for patients taking the tablet. 
• Dyskinesia: Stalevo 50 may cause or exacerbate involuntary muscle movements known as dyskinesia. The dosage and timing of Stalevo may need to be adjusted to minimize these effects. 
• Liver function: Stalevo 50 may affect liver function, and periodic liver function tests may be necessary. Patients with pre-existing liver conditions should use Stalevo with caution. 
• Peptic ulcer disease: Stalevo 50 may worsen symptoms of peptic ulcer disease, and caution should be exercised in patients with a history of ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding. 
• Cardiovascular disease: Stalevo 50 may increase the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack or stroke. It should be used with caution in patients with a history of cardiovascular disease. 
• Renal impairment: Stalevo 50 may require dosage adjustment in patients with impaired kidney function. Close monitoring of kidney function is recommended. 
• Drug interactions: Stalevo 50 may interact with other medications, including monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), antipsychotics, and certain antidepressants. 
• Orthostatic hypotension: Stalevo 50 may cause a drop in blood pressure upon standing, leading to dizziness or fainting. Use caution when changing positions, especially from lying down to standing up. 
• Augmentation: Augmentation is a phenomenon where symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) worsen with treatment. If you experience this, consult your healthcare provider for appropriate management. 
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome: Stalevo 50 may increase the risk of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), a potentially life-threatening condition. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms such as fever, muscle stiffness, confusion, or changes in blood pressure. 
• Falling asleep during activities: Stalevo 50 may cause sudden episodes of falling asleep during daily activities. Be cautious when performing tasks that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery.