Brand Name: Comtan
Active Ingredient: entacapone
Strength(s): 200mg
Dosage Form(s): Tablets
Company Name: Orion Corporation
Availability: Prescription only
*Date Approved by FDA: October 19, 1999
*Approval by FDA does not mean that the drug is available for consumers at this time.
What is Comtan used for?
Comtan is used together with carbidopa/ levodopa to treat people with Parkinson’s disease that experience the signs and symptoms of end-of-dose “wearing-off”.
Comtan’s effectiveness has not been proven in people with Parkinson’s disease that do not experience end-of-dose “wearing-off”.
General Precautions:
* Comtan should be used with caution in patients with liver problems.
* Do not stop taking Comtan without first discussing it with your doctor.
* Do not drive a car or operate heavy machinery until you know how you will react to Comtan.
* Be especially careful when taking other sleep-inducing drugs while using Comtan
What should I tell my doctor or health care provider?
* Because certain other medications can interact with Comtan, review all medications that you are taking with your health care provider, including those that you take without a prescription.
* Check with your health care provider to make sure that you are not taking certain types of monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors.
* Tell your health care provider if you are trying to become pregnant, are pregnant, or are breast-feeding.
What are some possible side effects of Comtan? (This is NOT a complete list of side effects reported with Comtan. Your health care provider can discuss with you a more complete list of side effects.)
Some of the side effects listed below may not appear for up to twelve weeks.
* Abnormal jerky movements
* Nausea
* Discolored (brownish orange) urine
* Diarrhea
* Abdominal pain
* Dizziness or fainting especially upon quickly standing or going from a laying down to an upright position
* Confusion
* Sweating
Individuals treated with Comtan should tell their health care provider right away if they develop any of the following symptoms:
* Severe diarrhea
* Hallucinations
* Muscle pain or prolonged rigidity
* High fever
For more detailed information about Comtan, ask your health care provider.
