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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)

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Tolcapone

(Tasmar)

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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 Tasmar

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 for Tasmar

  • Parkinson's disease (PD); as add-on treatment to carbidopa/levodopa

Pros and Cons for Tasmar

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 for Tasmar

  • 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 for Tasmar

  • 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

Price Card Drug Icon
Entacapone120 tablets / 200mg
$49.31$447.84
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Price Card Drug Icon
Tolcapone90 tablets / 100mg
$1,039.65$9,098.91
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