Stalevo®

In Aotearoa New Zealand Stalevo is available as tablets in 4 different strengths depending on the amount of levodopa, carbidopa and entacapone in each tablet:

• Stalevo 50 mg / 12.5 mg / 200 mg
• Stalevo 100 mg / 25 mg / 200 mg
• Stalevo 150 mg / 37.5 mg / 200 mg
• Stalevo 200 mg / 50 mg / 200 mg
  
  

Image credit: Healthify He Puna Waiora

Check with your healthcare provider which strength you’re taking. If your medicine looks different to what you were expecting, ask your pharmacist about it.

• The dose and how often you take Stalevo will be different for different people and depends on your symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and any medicine you may have been taking for Parkinson’s before.
• The dose prescribed for you may start low and change depending on your symptoms.
• Over time, you may change how often you take each dose or change to a stronger tablet.
• Only take 1 tablet for each dose. How often you take 1 tablet may change but the maximum daily dose of the ingredient levodopa is 1500 mg.
• Always take your Stalevo exactly as your doctor has told you. The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much Stalevo to take, how often to take it and any special instructions.

• Take the tablet whole: Swallow your tablets whole with water. Don’t cut, crush or chew them.
• Timing: Take your tablets at the same times each day.
• Food: You can take Stalevo with or without food, but it’s best NOT to take doses immediately after a large meal. 
• Protein: For some people with Parkinson’s, protein (which is found mainly in meat, fish, eggs, cheese, beans and pulses) seems to affect how well the body absorbs this medicine. It may be better not to take your tablet near a meal with protein. Talk to your healthcare provider if you think this applies to you. 
• Missed dose: If you forget to take your dose and there’s more than an hour until your next dose, take the dose now and the next dose at the usual time. If there’s less than an hour until your next dose, take the dose now and the next dose in 1 hour. Then take your following doses at the usual time. Never take double the dose. If you’re not sure what to do, ask your healthcare provider.
• It's important to take it as prescribed: See tips to help you remember to take your medicines regularly.

Here are some things to know when you're taking Stalevo. Other things may be important as well, so ask your healthcare provider what you should know about.

• The effects of Stalevo don't occur straight away: It may take up to 3 months before you feel the full effects of the medicine.
• Alcohol: Stalevo can make you feel dizzy. Limit or avoid drinking alcohol while taking Stalevo as it may make it worse.
• Driving: Stalevo can make you feel dizzy. Be careful when driving or using tools until you know how this medicine affects you.
• Other medicines: Stalevo interacts with some medicines (eg, MAOI antidepressants and phenytoin), herbal supplements and rongoā Māori, so check with your healthcare provider before starting Stalevo and before starting any new products.
• Iron: If you also take iron supplements, take them at least 2 hours before or after you take your Stalevo.
• Don't stop taking Stalevo suddenly: Talk to your doctor before stopping.
• Keep taking Stalevo regularly: Treatment with Stalevo is usually long-term. You should continue to take it unless you're advised by your prescriber to stop. Talk to your healthcare provider before stopping as the dose may need to be gradually reduced before stopping completely. This may help reduce the possibility of withdrawal symptoms such as muscle stiffness, fever and mental changes.
• Monitoring: You may have your weight checked and blood tests to check how well your heart, kidneys and liver are working.
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding: Talk to your healthcare provider if you're pregnant, planning a pregnancy or want to breastfeed.

Like all medicines, Stalevo can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Often side effects improve as your body gets used to the new medicine. 

Read more about medicines and side effects and reporting a reaction you think might be a side effect.