Key takeaways
Tolcapone (Tasmar) and Stalevo (carbidopa/levodopa/entacapone) are both used to treat Parkinson's disease (PD), but they have some key differences. Tolcapone is a catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitor that must be used with carbidopa/levodopa to be effective, while Stalevo combines carbidopa, levodopa, and entacapone into a single pill for convenience. Tolcapone is known for its risk of serious liver damage, requiring regular liver monitoring, whereas Stalevo does not have this specific risk but can cause changes in urine color. Stalevo and Tolcapone are available in a generic form, making them potentially more affordable. Both medications can cause sleepiness, low blood pressure, and hallucinations, but tolcapone can cause liver issues, and Stalevo can lead to stomach bleeding if you have certain kinds of stomach ulcers. Overall, Stalevo offers the convenience of fewer pills but comes with its own set of side effects and risks.
