Tolcapone



TasmarŪ







Tolcapone

(TOLE ka pone)

U.S. Brand Names
TasmarŪ
Mexican Brand Names
TasmarŪ
Pharmacologic Category
Anti-Parkinson's Agent, COMT Inhibitor
What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?
  • This medicine may cause liver problems. Blood tests will be needed to watch for any liver problems. They will be done before you start taking this medicine and every 2 weeks during treatment. If you had liver changes from this medicine in the past, do not use this medicine again. Signs of liver problems include dark urine, feeling tired, not hungry, nausea, vomiting, or yellowing of the skin or eyes. Call healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms.
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to tolcapone or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (eg, isocarboxazid, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine) talk with healthcare provider. Taking the two together could cause dangerously high blood pressure.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to treat Parkinson's disease.
How does it work?
  • Tolcapone increases levodopa in the brain.
How is it best taken?
  • Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • If you are taking a blood thinner, you will require more frequent monitoring.
  • If you have liver disease, talk with healthcare provider.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • You may not be alert. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities until you see how this medicine affects you.
  • Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor) or other medicines and natural products that slow your actions and reactions. These include sedatives, tranquilizers, mood stabilizers, antihistamines, and other pain medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Feeling lightheaded, sleepy, having blurred vision, or a change in thinking clearly. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities that require you to be alert or have clear vision until you see how this medicine affects you.
  • Feeling dizzy. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing.
  • Extra muscle activity or slow movement. Levodopa/carbidopa may need adjustment.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Liver damage can rarely occur.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Keep a diary of your symptoms.
  • Check blood work (liver function). Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Significant change in thinking clearly and logically.
  • Severe belly pain.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Severe diarrhea.
  • Not hungry.
  • Dark urine or yellow skin or eyes.
  • Feeling extremely tired or weak.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: