DRUG TITLE

Sinemet (Carbidopa + Levodopa)

APPLICATION

Sinemet is used for treating symptoms associated with Parkinson disease and parkinsonism-like symptoms caused by other conditions. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

MODE OF APPLICATION

Use Sinemet as directed by your doctor.

• Take Sinemet on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.
• Carefully follow the dosage given to you by your doctor. It may take several weeks to several months until you notice a benefit from use because the dose carefully adjusted over time.
• If you are also taking iron salts (e.g. ferrous sulfate), do not take them within 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking Sinemet. Talk to your doctor.
• Take your Sinemet on a regular basis to get the most benefit from it. Acceptance of Sinemet in the same time each day will help you remember to take it with you.
• Continue to take Sinemet even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
• If you take levodopa, do not start taking Sinemet until at least 12 hours after your last dose of levodopa .

THE MECHANISM OF ACTION

Sinemet is a combination of anti-dyskinetic. Levodopa is converted in the body and brain into a substance that helps reduce tremor and other symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Carbidopa levodopa helps to reach the brain.

Missed dose

If you miss a dose of Sinemet, use it as soon as possible. If this occurred while taking your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

STORAGE

Sinemet is stored at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit (20 and 25 degrees C) in a tightly closed container. Short period at a temperature of from 59 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 30 degrees C) is not permitted. Keep away from heat, moisture and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Sinemet out of reach of children and away from pets.

PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES

Do not use Sinemet if:

• You are allergic to any ingredient in Sinemet;
• You have glaucoma, undiagnosed skin growths, skin cancer, or history of skin cancer;
• Have you taken a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor (e.g., phenelzine) within the past 14 days.

Contact your doctor immediately if any of these items apply to you.

IT IS IMPORTANT:

• Sinemet may cause drowsiness, dizziness or lightheadedness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Sinemet with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Do not drink alcohol and do not use narcotic medicines that may cause drowsiness (e.g., sleep, muscle relaxation) when using Sinemet, he can add to them the consequences. Ask your doctor if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
• Sinemet may cause dizziness or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, you must get up and go slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking Sinemet before receiving any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a possibly fatal syndrome that can be caused by Sinemet. Symptoms may include fever, muscle tension, confusion, abnormal thinking, fast or irregular heartbeat, and sweating. Contact your doctor immediately if you have any of these symptoms.
• Diabetes patients - Sinemet can affect blood sugar levels. Check your blood sugar levels. Ask your doctor before changing the dose.
• Diabetes patients - Sinemet can lead to incorrect results of some tests. Ask your doctor before changing your diet or the dose of the drug.
• Do not stop taking Sinemet sharply. Some conditions may become worse when you suddenly stop taking Sinemet. Your dose may be reduced to avoid side effects.
• Gradually increase physical activity as your symptoms improve.
• Effect of Sinemet may begin to blur between doses. Talk to your doctor if Sinemet stops working well or if it worsens.
• Sinemet may affect certain lab test results. Make sure your doctors and laboratory personnel know that you are using Sinemet.

Laboratory tests, including a full examination of blood cells and liver function may be performed while you use Sinemet. These tests can be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects.

• Use Sinemet with caution in elderly patients, they may be more sensitive to its effects.
• Sinemet should not be used in children, the safety and efficacy have not been confirmed.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Sinemet while pregnant. It is not known whether Sinemet in breast milk. If you plan to breast-feeding while using Sinemet, consult your doctor .

SIDE EFFECTS

Consult your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become frequent:

• confusion, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, increased sweating, loss of appetite, nausea, taste changes, trouble sleeping, upset stomach, urinary tract infection, vomiting.

Seek medical help immediately if any of these serious side effects occur:

• Severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, shortness of breath, chest tightness, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), black, tarry stools, blood in vomit, chest pain, confusion, depression, or fast irregular heartbeat, fever, hallucinations, mood changes, muscle pain or unusual stiffness, severe abdominal pain, severe dizziness or fainting, sore throat, suicidal thoughts, unexplained fever or sweating, unusual bruising or bleeding, unusual or painful movements or spasms of the face, eyelids, mouth, tongue, arms, hands or feet, vision changes (blurred / double vision), yellowing of the skin or eyes.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Sinemet should be used only on prescription.
If symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.