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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)

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Stalevo

 

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Summary for Entacapone

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.

Indications for Entacapone

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

Pros and Cons for Entacapone

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

Common Side Effects for Entacapone

  • 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%)

Warnings for Entacapone

  • 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

Summary for Stalevo

Prescription only

Stalevo is a combination medication that treats Parkinson's disease (PD) in adults. It contains carbidopa and levodopa, which help raise dopamine levels in the brain to improve PD symptoms. It also has entacapone, which works as a COMT inhibitor to help the effects last longer. Stalevo helps lessen "off" time (when movement symptoms come back as the medication wears off). Side effects include involuntary movements, nausea, and diarrhea.

Indications for Stalevo

Pros and Cons for Stalevo

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 for Stalevo

  • 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 for Stalevo

  • 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)
  • Low vitamin B6 levels and seizures
  • Interactions with other medications
  • Risk of stomach bleeding in people who've had a stomach ulcer

Prices with our coupons for Entacapone vs. Stalevo

Price Card Drug Icon
Entacapone120 tablets / 200mg
$49.31$447.84
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Carbidopa/Levodopa/Entacapone270 tablets / 50mg/200mg/200mg
$116.15$860.69
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