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Compare Entacapone vs. Tasmar

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

Key takeaways

Entacapone (Comtan) and Tolcapone (Tasmar) are both COMT inhibitors used to treat Parkinson's disease (PD) by enhancing the effects of carbidopa/levodopa. However, there are some key differences between the two. Entacapone (Comtan) must be taken with every dose of carbidopa/levodopa, while Tolcapone (Tasmar) is taken three times a day. Entacapone (Comtan) and Tolcapone (Tasmar) are both available in both brand-name and generic forms. Tolcapone (Tasmar) has a risk of causing serious liver damage, requiring regular liver monitoring, and is not suitable for people with liver problems. Both medications can cause side effects like involuntary movements and nausea. Additionally, both Entacapone (Comtan) and Tolcapone (Tasmar) can make you very sleepy, but Tolcapone can also cause excessive dreaming.

  • Entacapone (Comtan)
    Tolcapone (Tasmar)
  • Entacapone (Comtan)
    Tolcapone (Tasmar)

  • Summary of Entacapone vs. Tasmar

    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 COMT inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Tolcapone (Tasmar) is an oral add-on medication for Parkinson's disease (PD). It's usually used when carbidopa/levodopa isn't controlling PD symptoms well enough.

  • Indications of Entacapone vs. Tasmar

    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); as add-on treatment to carbidopa/levodopa

  • Pros and Cons of Entacapone vs. Tasmar

    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 COMT inhibitor
    Pros
    •Can help relieve PD symptoms that occur between levodopa doses; sometimes called the "wearing-off" effect
    •For the brand medication (Tasmar), the manufacturer offers a copay savings card for those with private insurance.
    Cons
    •Can cause liver failure; not a good option for people with liver problems
    •Has a lot of side effects
    •Cannot be taken alone; only used as an add-on medication
    •Can be expensive

  • Common Side Effects of Entacapone vs. Tasmar

    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, 42%)
    •Nausea (30%)
    •Sleep problems (24%)
    •Excessive dreaming (21%)
    •Muscle contractions and cramps (17—19%)
    •Loss of appetite (19%)
    •Sleepiness (18%)
    •Low blood pressure (17%)
    •Diarrhea (16%)
    •Dizziness (13%)
    •Confusion (11%)
    •Headache (10%)

  • Warnings of Entacapone vs. Tasmar

    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
    •Serious liver damage
    •Sleepiness or falling asleep during activities
    •Low blood pressure and fainting
    •Hallucinations and changes in behavior and thoughts
    •Impulsive behavior
    •Muscle damage (rhabdomyolysis)

  • Prices with our coupons for Entacapone vs. Tasmar

    Learn more about Entacapone
    Learn more about Tolcapone

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