ATAMET

Drug Name: ATAMET

ATAMET DESCRIPTION:
LEVODOPA WITH CARBIDOPA - ORAL (lee-voh-DOE-puh WITH kar-beh-DOE-puh)

COMMON ATAMET BRAND NAME(S):
Atamet, Sinemet

ATAMET SIDE EFFECTS:
May cause drowsiness, dizziness, headache, loss of appetite, stomach upset, nausea, vision changes, unusual body odor or trembling of the hands. These should subside as your body adjusts to the medication. If these symptoms persist or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: vomiting, difficulty swallowing, difficulty urinating, uncontrollable movements (especially twitching of the eyelid), chest pain, an irregular heartbeat, skin rash, mood or mental changes. May cause darkening of the urine or sweat. This is not harmful and will disappear when the medication is stopped. May cause dizziness especially when rising quickly from a seated or lying position. Change positions slowly and be careful on stairs. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE ATAMET:
ATAMET: Take ATAMET as directed. It may take a few weeks before the full benefits of ATAMET are observed. If you are changing from plain levodopa to ATAMET, levodopa must be discontinued for 8 hours before taking this combination drug. If stomach upset occurs, ATAMET may be taken with food or milk. Consult with your doctor.

ATAMET USES:
This combination medication is used to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

ATAMET PRECAUTIONS:
ATAMET can cause false results with urine glucose testing in diabetics. Blood glucose testing should be performed instead. Tell your doctor if you have: glaucoma, history of skin cancer, breathing problems, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, endocrine disease, ulcers, depression, blood disorders. ATAMET should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Levodopa appears in breast milk. Do not take ATAMET if you are breast-feeding.

ATAMET DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Inform your doctor if you are taking: medicine to treat depression or anxiety ("anti-depressants" or Valium-like drugs); MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine); phenytoin (Dilantin); iron vitamins; medication to treat high blood pressure (hypertension); other drugs to treat Parkinson's disease; any other prescription or non- prescription drugs. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

ATAMET OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include irregular heartbeat and muscle spasms.

ATAMET NOTES:
Be sure your doctor knows your complete medical history and the medications you are taking.

MISSED ATAMET DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered and take any remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

ATAMET STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom.