Tasmar

Tasmar is a prescription medicine used in combination with other medicines like carbidopa and levodopa to treat symptoms of Parkinson’s disease in adults. Parkinson’s disease is a long-term neurological condition that causes tremors, stiffness, slowed movement, and muscle control problems. Tasmar slows how quickly levodopa is broken down, helping it stay active longer and reducing “off” periods when symptoms return. Tasmar does not work on its own and must be taken with carbidopa and levodopa.

What Is Tasmar Used For?

Tasmar is FDA-approved for people who:

• Are already taking levodopa/carbidopa and still have motor fluctuations or wearing‑off symptoms.
• Have not responded well to other additional treatments for Parkinson’s symptoms.

Quick Facts About Tasmar

Tasmar should only be used in combination with carbidopa/levodopa therapy.

Starting Dose

The starting Tasmar dose for adults is always 100 mg three times a day.

• This is also the recommended daily dose for most patients.
• Do not start at a higher dose.

How to Take Tasmar (tolcapone)

Tasmar Parkinson’s medication should be taken as follows:

• First dose: Taken at the same time as your first daily dose of carbidopa/levodopa.
• Second dose: About 6 hours later.
• Third dose: About 12 hours after the first dose.
• Administration: Tablets can be taken with or without food as directed by your doctor.

Dose Increments (If Needed)

• Some patients may be increased to 200 mg three times daily, but this is done only when clearly necessary.
• If there is no meaningful improvement after 3 weeks at the 200 mg dose, Tasmar should be stopped, regardless of dose level.
• Tasmar can be used with immediate-release carbidopa/levodopa and sustained-release carbidopa/levodopa.

Clinical studies show that Tasmar can increase “on” time and reduce “off” periods in patients with motor fluctuations. The medication has been studied as an add-on therapy to levodopa/carbidopa in multiple clinical trials. These FDA clinical trials, lasting 13 to 26 weeks, show that:

• Tasmar increases “on” time and reduces “off” time for fluctuating patients.
• It improves wearing-off motor fluctuations and daily activities even in stable patients.
• Both 100 mg and 200 mg doses are effective, with higher doses showing greater improvements in motor symptoms. However, 200 mg dosing may also increase the risk of adverse effects.
• These findings are supported by FDA-reviewed clinical trial data.

Tasmar (tolcapone) helps people with Parkinson’s disease by inhibiting the COMT enzyme, which normally breaks down levodopa in the body. By slowing down levodopa’s breakdown, the medication works effectively and helps reduce “off” periods when symptoms like tremors, stiffness, or slow movement return. It is always used along with levodopa/carbidopa under a doctor’s supervision.

Common Tasmar side effects are mild and may resolve on their own. If you notice any adverse reaction during your treatment, seek medical attention right away.

Risk of Liver Injury:

• Tasmar can cause severe liver damage, including life-threatening liver failure.
• It should only be used in adults with Parkinson’s disease who:
  • Are taking carbidopa/levodopa, and
  • Have not responded well to other treatments
• If the medication does not provide clear symptom improvement within 3 weeks, it should be discontinued.
• Do not start treatment if you already have liver disease or if your liver tests (ALT/AST) are higher than normal.
• People with severe involuntary movements (dyskinesia) or muscle spasms (dystonia) should use Tasmar with caution, due to the risk of muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis).

Although Tasmar can improve Parkinson’s symptoms when used with levodopa/carbidopa, it carries significant safety risks, especially involving the liver.
Health Conditions Requiring Caution

• Fatal liver injuries may occur with Tasmar. Extreme caution is required in patients who have conditions that may affect liver function.
• Patients with sleep disorders may be at higher risk of sudden sleep episodes while taking this medication.
• Individuals with low blood pressure may experience worsened orthostatic hypotension.
• Gastrointestinal sensitivity should be monitored closely, as Tasmar-associated diarrhea can be severe.
• Individuals with a history of rhabdomyolysis should be monitored carefully during treatment.

High-Risk Groups

• Older adults may be at higher risk of experiencing adverse effects, such as confusion, dyskinesia, and orthostatic hypotension, when Tasmar is added to levodopa therapy.
• Patients taking high daily doses of levodopa may be at increased risk of dyskinesia, hallucinations, and low blood pressure.
• Individuals with Parkinson’s disease are at increased risk of melanoma. Frequent doctor visits are required for skin examinations.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding patients pose a high risk due to limited human safety data and evidence of drug transfer in animal studies.

When to Consult a Doctor?

Get medical attention if you notice or experience:

• Signs of Tasmar liver damage, such as fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.
• Excessive daytime sleepiness or sudden sleep episodes occur, particularly while driving or operating machinery.
• Persistent or severe diarrhea during treatment.
• Hallucinations, psychosis, or other behavioral changes.
• Muscle pain, weakness, fever, or dark urine.

Who Should Not Take Tasmar (tolcapone)?

• Do not use Tasmar for Parkinson’s disease if you have:
  • Active liver disease or high ALT/AST levels above the upper limit of normal.
  • Previously discontinued the medication due to signs of Tasmar liver damage.
  • Major psychotic disorders.
  • No benefits are observed within 3 weeks at the maximum recommended dose.

Both Tasmar (tolcapone) and Comtan (entacapone) are COMT inhibitors used with carbidopa/levodopa to help manage “wearing-off” symptoms in Parkinson’s disease. However, their effectiveness and safety profile vary. The right choice depends on an individual’s medical conditions and the doctor’s judgment. Here’s a comparison table of Tolcapone vs Entacapone.

• Entacapone is commonly tried first due to its safety and convenience.
• Tolcapone may be considered only when other options are not effective, and when close liver monitoring is possible.
• Always consult your medical provider before choosing between any treatment options.

Tasmar (tolcapone) can interact with several drugs. This is not a complete list of Tasmar interactions, so tell your doctor about all medications you are taking before starting Parkinson’s treatment:

Avoid or Use Only Under Medical Supervision

• Nonselective MAO Inhibitors:
  • Phenelzine
  • Tranylcypromine
• Other COMT Inhibitors
  • Entacapone
  • Opicapone

Moderate-Risk Interactions (Require Monitoring or Dose Adjustment)

• Dopamine Agonists:
  • Pramipexole
  • Ropinirole
• Sedating Medications:
  • Opioids
  • Benzodiazepines
  • Antihistamines

Lower-Risk but Clinically Relevant Interactions

• Antidepressants
• Antipsychotic medications

Always discuss with your doctor before changing your medication:

• Comtan (entacapone)
• Ongentys (opicapone)
• Sinemet (carbidopa/levodopa)
• Duopa (carbidopa/levodopa)
• Stalevo (carbidopa/levodopa/entacapone)
• Amantadine
• Benztropine

Buying Tasmar (tolcapone) in the U.S. can be extremely costly. The average Tasmar cost without insurance may range from approximately $1,000 to $8,000, depending on the pharmacy. These high out-of-pocket costs can make long-term Parkinson’s disease treatment difficult for many patients. When you order Tasmar online from Polar Bear Meds, you get Tasmar 100 mg (100 tablets) for just $241.95.

Our rates are significantly lower than typical U.S. pharmacy retail rates. This allows patients to access the same prescription medication at a substantially lower cost. Orders placed through Polar Bear Meds are typically delivered within 3–5 business days via Xpress Post. All orders require a valid prescription and are dispensed from a licensed Canadian pharmacy network, ensuring proper sourcing and pharmacy standards.z

https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/profs/PUarticles/tasmar.htm

https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2013/020697s004lbl.pdf