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Compare Entacapone vs. Apokyn

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Entacapone (Comtan) and Apokyn (apomorphine) are both used to manage symptoms of Parkinson's disease, but they work differently and have distinct uses. Entacapone is a COMT inhibitor taken orally with carbidopa/levodopa to help these medications last longer in your body, reducing "wearing-off" periods. It must be taken with every dose of carbidopa/levodopa and can cause side effects like involuntary movements and nausea. Apokyn, on the other hand, is a dopamine agonist given as a subcutaneous injection to quickly relieve "off" episodes when your other Parkinson's medications aren't working. It acts fast but can cause severe nausea and vomiting, often requiring an additional medication to manage these side effects. Both Entacapone and Apokyn are available in both brand-name and generic forms. But, Apokyn requires careful handling and priming before use, and it can be expensive and may need to be obtained from a specialty pharmacy.

  • Entacapone (Comtan)
    Apomorphine (Apokyn)
  • Entacapone (Comtan)
    Apomorphine (Apokyn)

  • Summary of Entacapone vs. Apokyn

    Summary for COMT inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Entacapone (Comtan) is used for Parkinson's disease (PD) and helps relieve symptoms like shakiness and slowed movement. It's used along with the combination medication carbidopa/levodopa. Entacapone (Comtan) is a good option for people whose levodopa wears off before their next dose ("wearing-off" periods). But, this medication has to be taken every time you take carbidopa/levodopa for it to work properly. Some side effects include involuntary movements (dyskinesia) and nausea. Entacapone (Comtan) is available as a brand-name and generic medication.

    Summary for Dopamine agonist
    Prescription only

    Apomorphine (Apokyn) is an injectable medication used for Parkinson's disease (PD). It helps treat the movement problems that happen between doses of your other Parkinson's medications, but it can cause a lot of nausea and vomiting.

  • Indications of Entacapone vs. Apokyn

    Indications for
    •Relief of "wearing-off" symptoms in people with Parkinson's disease who are taking carbidopa/levodopa medications (e.g., Sinemet, Rytary)
    Indications for
    •"Off" episodes in people with advanced Parkinson's disease (PD)

  • Pros and Cons of Entacapone vs. Apokyn

    Pros and Const for COMT inhibitor
    Pros
    •Helps carbidopa/levodopa relieve your PD symptoms better
    •Can be useful for people with advanced PD or people who experience "wearing-off" periods with their carbidopa/levodopa
    •Can take with or without food
    Cons
    •Must take with every dose of carbidopa/levodopa to see an effect on PD symptoms; it has no effect when it's taken alone
    •Can cause involuntary movements or other movement problems
    •Can cause nausea, especially when you first start taking the medication
    Pros and Const for Dopamine agonist
    Pros
    •Works quickly; most people feel the effects within 20 minutes
    •Comes as an easy-to-use pen
    •Medication and financial assistance available through the manufacturer's Circle of Care program, if needed
    Cons
    •Causes severe nausea and vomiting
    •Can cause dangerously low blood pressure
    •Must be injected into the skin
    •Can be expensive and you might have to get it from a specialty pharmacy
    •Not a good option for someone with a sulfite allergy

  • Common Side Effects of Entacapone vs. Apokyn

    Common Side Effects for
    •Involuntary movements (dyskinesia, 25%)
    •Nausea (14%)
    •Muscle spasms (hyperkinesia, 10%)
    •Changes in the color of your urine (10%)
    •Diarrhea (10%)
    •Slowed muscle movements (hypokinesia, 9%)
    •Stomach pain (8%)
    •Dizziness (8%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Yawning (40%)
    •Involuntary movements (dyskinesia; 35%)
    •Drowsiness or sleepines (35%)
    •Nausea or vomiting (30%)
    •Injection site reactions (bruising, swelling, itching; 26%)
    •Dizziness or low blood pressure when standing up from a sitting or lying down position (20%)
    •Confusion or hallucination (10%)
    •Swelling of the arms or legs (10%)

  • Warnings of Entacapone vs. Apokyn

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness or falling asleep while doing daily activities
    •Low blood pressure and fainting
    •Hallucinations and changes in behavior and thoughts
    •Difficulty controlling impulsive behavior
    •Diarrhea and inflamed colon (colitis)
    •Muscle damage (rhabdomyolysis)
    •High fevers and confusion
    •Interactions with other medications
    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe nausea and vomiting
    •Sleepiness or falling asleep during activities
    •Low blood pressure and fainting
    •Hallucinations and changes in behavior and thoughts
    •Impulsive behavior
    •Risk of heart problems
    •Painful erections

  • Prices with our coupons for Entacapone vs. Apokyn

    Learn more about Entacapone
    Learn more about Apomorphine

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