Stalevo

Stalevo is a brand-name medication that combines three active ingredients used to treat Parkinson's disease: levodopa, carbidopa, and entacapone. Levodopa is a dopamine precursor that helps replenish brain dopamine; carbidopa inhibits peripheral decarboxylation, allowing more levodopa to reach the brain and reducing side effects. Entacapone is a COMT inhibitor that further decreases the breakdown of levodopa outside the brain, helping to extend its beneficial effects and reduce “off” time between doses.

Indications and use are for adults with Parkinson's disease who require both levodopa and an entacapone-containing therapy to manage symptoms. Stalevo is not a cure for Parkinson's and is not typically used as monotherapy; treatment should be tailored to the individual by a clinician. It is generally not prescribed for children.

Administration and dosing are oral, in tablet form. The dose is individualized and typically adjusted by a healthcare provider based on response and tolerance. Tablets should be swallowed whole with water and can be taken with or without food, though high-protein meals may affect absorption. Patients should avoid abrupt discontinuation and follow medical guidance for any dose changes.

Common side effects include nausea, dizziness, dyskinesia, orthostatic hypotension, and sleep disturbances. Urine color may become dark or orange, which is usually harmless. Less common but serious risks include signs of liver injury, severe rash, or hypersensitivity reactions. Stalevo should not be used in patients with known hypersensitivity to its components or with known melanoma risk, and safety in pregnancy or breastfeeding should be discussed with a clinician.

Interactions may occur with iron supplements, other dopaminergic medications, and certain antidepressants or MAO inhibitors.