Entacapone

Entacapone is a prescription oral medication used along with Levodopa/carbidopa to manage Parkinson’s disease symptoms. This medication works only in combination with Levodopa to counter the “wearing-off” effects of the dose. Entacapone belongs to the class of medicines known as catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitors and is available in 200 mg strength tablets.

Entacapone is mainly used as an add-on treatment for Parkinson’s disease in combination with Levodopa/carbidopa. Parkinson’s disease develops when the brain does not produce enough dopamine, a chemical that helps control movement. By adding Entacapone to Levodopa, body movements stabilize, and “off-time” decreases.

When Parkinson’s disease occurs, dopamine levels are reduced in the brain. Levodopa improves body movements by being converted to dopamine. Before levodopa reaches the brain, much of it breaks down in the body. This limits the amount of dopamine that can be produced.

Entacapone works by:

• Entacapone inhibits peripheral COMT, reducing levodopa breakdown before it reaches the brain.
• It slows down the breakdown of Levodopa.
• Entacapone increases the amount of Levodopa that reaches the brain.
• It helps Levodopa work a little longer.

This leads to:

• Helps reduce ‘off’ episodes and improves motor fluctuations.
• Reduces ‘off’ time between doses.
• Improves movement control.

Entacapone prolongs the effects of levodopa by inhibiting COMT outside the brain, reducing peripheral breakdown.

Keep the following Entacapone precautions in mind:

• Do not take Entacapone if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.
• Do not stop or start this medication without consulting your healthcare professional.
• Entacapone effects may vary; it should only be used under your healthcare provider’s supervision.
• Always follow your doctor’s guidance for Entacapone dosage and administration.
• These may be signs of a rare condition called Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS). Seek immediate medical care if you feel:
  • Muscle stiffness
  • High fever
  • Confusion
  • Changes in your heart rate or breathing
  • Increased sweating

The risks for Parkinson’s disease include:

With Age

The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease generally increase with age. People aged 50 or older are more likely to develop symptoms. The disease is rarely seen in young adults.

Genetics

If you have first-degree relatives (parents/siblings) having Parkinson’s disease, you may have a higher risk of developing the condition.

Male Gender

Men develop Parkinson’s disease more often than women.

Toxin Exposure

If you are exposed to pesticides or herbicides, the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease is higher.

Entacapone is beneficial in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, but also has some adverse effects. The following list of Entacapone side effects may occur while using this medication. You should always seek medical help immediately if you experience any serious symptoms.

Entacapone should only be used under your healthcare provider’s supervision. The medication is contraindicated in patients who have:

• Liver disease or impairment (Entacapone may increase the risk of serious side effects).
• Entacapone is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to the drug.
• Patients with a history of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome or rhabdomyolysis should not use entacapone.
• Use caution in patients with severe dyskinesia or active psychosis; consult a doctor.
• Mental health conditions or psychosis.

Following the Entacapone administration guide is important because the dosage may vary from one individual to another, depending on their health condition. Refer to the dosage guidelines table below for recommended Entacapone use.

Consult your doctor for the exact Entacapone dosage based on your individual health condition.

Taking too much Entacapone can be life-threatening; use it with caution. In case of Entacapone overdose, seek immediate medical attention. Call the Poison Control Center by dialing 1-800-222-1222.

If you have missed a dose of Entacapone, take it as soon as possible. If you are close to your next dose, skip the missed medicine and continue with your regular dosage schedule. Do not take your medication twice.

The Entacapone storage guide is as follows:

• Store Entacapone tablets in a closed container in the original state.
• Store Entacapone tablets at room temperature.
• Keep it away from moisture, heat, and direct light.
• Keep from freezing.
• Do not keep the tablets in the bathroom.
• Keep out of reach of pets and children.
• Do not keep expired or no longer needed medicines.

Several medicines should not be taken with Entacapone. Your healthcare professional should know about the medicines that you are taking before starting Entacapone for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. The following list compiles the Entacapone interactions:

• Linezolid
• Furazolidone
• Isocarboxazid
• Methylene blue
• Pargyline
• Nialamide
• Procarbazine
• Phenelzine
• Tranylcypromine
• Bitolterol
• Dopamine
• Apomorphine
• Dobutamine
• Isoetharine
• Fluvastatin
• Monitor INR closely if used with warfarin
• Do not use with non-selective MAO inhibitors (e.g., phenelzine, tranylcypromine)

The above interaction list is incomplete. Your doctor may suggest the complete list of medicines that are not suitable to take with Entacapone.

The following are FDA-approved medicines considered Entacapone alternatives for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.

• Opicapone
• Tolcapone
• Other adjunct treatments include MAO-B inhibitors (safinamide) and adenosine A2A antagonists (istradefylline)

Before you consider any of the above alternatives, you should consult your healthcare provider. These medications may work differently for different patients.

Entacapone for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease can be costly for you if you are getting your medicines from local U.S. pharmacies. At Polar Bear Meds, we help you access your prescribed medications at more affordable prices by sourcing them through fully licensed Canadian and international pharmacy partners.

You can buy Entacapone online from Polar Bear Meds by getting your hands on several benefits:

• Competitive pricing on genuine, prescription-based Entacapone.
• Exclusive savings opportunities, including an Entacapone coupon code for additional discounts on your first order.
• Shipping typically takes 3-5 business days via Xpress Post.

At Polar Bear Meds, we keep your trust intact. Every order is processed through licensed pharmacy partners to ensure you receive authentic Entacapone medicine as prescribed by your healthcare professional. If you are seeking a trusted, affordable way to buy Entacapone online for Parkinson’s disease from Canada, Polar Bear Meds provides an affordable way to access your prescribed medication.

• https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601236.html#:~:text=Entacapone%20is%20an%20inhibitor%20of,your%20dose%20gradually%20if%20necessary.
• https://www.drugs.com/sfx/carbidopa-entacapone-Levodopa-side-effects.html
• https://davisphinneyfoundation.org/blog/a-closer-look-at-comt-inhibitors-helping-Levodopa/
• https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=56327e32-3b06-4144-91a0-bb1908842e33