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Compare Entacapone vs. Stalevo

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

Key takeaways

Entacapone (Comtan) and Stalevo (carbidopa/levodopa/entacapone) are both used to treat Parkinson's disease (PD), but they have some key differences. Entacapone (Comtan) is a COMT inhibitor that must be taken with each dose of carbidopa/levodopa to help extend the effect of levodopa by preventing its breakdown. It is available as both a brand-name and generic medication. On the other hand, Stalevo combines three medications—carbidopa, levodopa, and entacapone—into a single pill, which can be more convenient as it reduces the number of pills you need to take. However, before switching to Stalevo, you might need to find the right dose by taking carbidopa/levodopa and entacapone separately. Both medications can cause similar side effects like involuntary movements, nausea, and changes in the color of your urine, but Stalevo can also cause changes in the color of your saliva and urine. Additionally, Stalevo is available in multiple strengths, allowing for more precise dosing adjustments.

  • Entacapone (Comtan)
    Stalevo
  • Entacapone (Comtan)
    Stalevo

  • Summary of Entacapone vs. Stalevo

    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 Dopa decarboxylase inhibitor / Dopamine replacement / COMT inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Stalevo is a combination medication that treats Parkinson's disease (PD) in adults. It has carbidopa (a dopa decarboxylase inhibitor), levodopa (a dopamine replacement), and entacapone (a COMT inhibitor). The addition of entacapone helps the effects of the medication last longer. This helps lessen "off" time (when movement symptoms come back as the medication wears off). Side effects include involuntary movements, nausea, and diarrhea. Stalevo is available as a brand name and generic.

  • Indications of Entacapone vs. Stalevo

    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
    •Parkinson's disease (PD)

  • Pros and Cons of Entacapone vs. Stalevo

    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 Dopa decarboxylase inhibitor / Dopamine replacement / COMT inhibitor
    Pros
    •Combines three medications into a single pill, so you don't have to take as many tablets to control your PD symptoms
    •Helps relieve PD symptoms for a longer period of time than carbidopa/levodopa alone
    •Available in six different strengths, so your prescriber can adjust your dose if needed
    •Okay to take if you have kidney problems
    Cons
    •Usually need to take multiple times per day to help relieve PD symptoms
    •Might need to first take immediate-release carbidopa/levodopa and entacapone separately until you find the right dose before switching to Stalevo
    •Can make you very sleepy and cause you to fall asleep all of a sudden
    •Can make the color of your saliva, sweat, and urine darker

  • Common Side Effects of Entacapone vs. Stalevo

    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
    •Involuntary movements (dyskinesia, 25%)
    •Nausea (14%)
    •Rapid involuntary movements (10%)
    •Diarrhea (10%)
    •Changes in the color of your urine (10%)
    •Slow involuntary movements (9%)
    •Stomach pain (8%)
    •Dizziness (8%)
    •Constipation (6%)
    •Tiredness (6%)
    •Back pain (5%)

  • Warnings of Entacapone vs. Stalevo

    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
    •Sleepiness or falling asleep during activities
    •Low blood pressure and fainting
    •Risk of depression and suicidal behavior
    •Hallucinations and changes in behavior and thoughts
    •Difficulty controlling impulsive behavior
    •High fevers and confusion with treatment changes
    •Diarrhea and inflamed colon (colitis)
    •Severe muscle damage (rhabdomyolysis)
    •Interactions with other medications
    •Risk of stomach bleeding in people who've had a stomach ulcer

  • Prices with our coupons for Entacapone vs. Stalevo

    Learn more about Entacapone
    Learn more about Stalevo

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