Product Description.:
LODOSYN, 711
tablet , orange , scored , round round
USES: Carbidopa is used, together with another medication (levodopa), to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease (e.g., tremor). It works by allowing more levodopa to enter the brain so levodopa can work more effectively. It also helps to reduce some unwanted levodopa side effects (e.g. nausea). Carbidopa must be taken together with levodopa to be effective. Used alone, carbidopa has no effect on Parkinson's symptoms.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth exactly as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. If you are currently taking a levodopa-containing medicine, wait at least 12 hours after your last levodopa dose before starting this medication. Levodopa and carbidopa must always be taken at the same time. Your dosage of levodopa should also be reduced to account for the effects of this drug (only if you are currently taking levodopa by itself). Consult your doctor or pharmacist regarding your dosing schedule.
SIDE EFFECTS: Side effects with carbidopa are rare and usually occur due to the effect of levodopa or other drugs used along with this medication. Consult the SIDE EFFECTS information of the levodopa-containing product(s), as well as any other drugs you are using. If you have any questions or notice any effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Abruptly stopping or reducing the dose of your levodopa may cause a rare syndrome (neuroleptic malignant syndrome-NMS) to occur. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but serious side effects occur: fever, sweating, muscle stiffness, uncontrolled movements, confusion, fainting, unusually fast heartbeat, fast and shallow breathing, dizziness.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: eye problems (e.g., narrow angle glaucoma), depression, other mental disorders (e.g., schizophrenia), heart or blood vessel problems (cardiovascular disease), kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes/thyroid/adrenal (endocrine) problems, ulcers, skin cancer (melanoma), severe lung disease (COPD), asthma, any allergies. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
