LARODOPA

Drug Name: LARODOPA

LARODOPA DESCRIPTION:
LEVODOPA - ORAL (lee-voh-DOE-puh)

COMMON LARODOPA BRAND NAME(S):
Dopar, Larodopa

LARODOPA 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, 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 LARODOPA:
LARODOPA: Eat food shortly after taking medicine unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Take LARODOPA as directed. It may take a few weeks before the full benefits of LARODOPA are observed.

LARODOPA WARNING:
When carbidopa is used in combination with levodopa, take both drugs at the same time. At least eight hours should pass between the last dose of levodopa when it was used alone and the start of carbidopa-and-levodopa combination therapy. If carbidopa is added to levodopa therapy, the starting dose of levodopa should be 20-25% of the dose of levodopa when it was used alone.

LARODOPA USES:
LARODOPA is used to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

LARODOPA PRECAUTIONS:
LARODOPA can cause false result in urine glucose testing in diabetes. TesTape should be used to test urine for accurate results. Tell your doctor if you have: glaucoma, history of skin cancer, breathing problems, heart disease, kidney disease, liver problems, endocrine disease, ulcers, a history of depression, blood disorders. LARODOPA 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 LARODOPA if you are breast-feeding.

LARODOPA DRUG INTERACTIONS:
LARODOPA should not be taken if you are taking MAOIs (e.g., furazolidone, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine). MAOIs should be discontinued for 2 weeks before taking levodopa. Persons taking levodopa should not take vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) since this vitamin can reduce levodopa's effects. Vitamin products may contain pyridoxine. Tell your doctor of all drugs you may use, both prescription and nonprescription. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

LARODOPA 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.

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

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

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