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Compare Tasmar vs. Stalevo

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

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.

  • Tolcapone (Tasmar)
    Stalevo
  • Tolcapone (Tasmar)
    Stalevo

  • Summary of Tasmar vs. Stalevo

    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.

    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 Tasmar vs. Stalevo

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

  • Pros and Cons of Tasmar vs. Stalevo

    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
    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 Tasmar vs. Stalevo

    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%)
    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 Tasmar vs. Stalevo

    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)
    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 Tasmar vs. Stalevo

    Learn more about Tolcapone
    Learn more about Stalevo

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