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Compare Tasmar vs. Sinemet

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

Key takeaways

Tolcapone (Tasmar) and carbidopa/levodopa (Sinemet) are both medications used to treat Parkinson's disease (PD). They help manage symptoms like shakiness and slow movement. However, they belong to different medication classes. Tolcapone is a catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitor, while carbidopa/levodopa is a combination of a dopa decarboxylase inhibitor and dopamine replacement. Carbidopa/levodopa is a first-choice treatment, while tolcapone is only used as an add-on treatment with carbidopa/levodopa when the latter isn't enough to control PD symptoms. Tolcapone is taken three times a day, while carbidopa/levodopa comes in various forms and is taken multiple times a day depending on the form. Tolcapone can cause serious liver damage, so regular liver monitoring is needed. Carbidopa/levodopa can cause dark-colored urine and saliva and may make you very sleepy. Both medications can cause hallucinations and changes in behavior. Both medications are available as a lower-cost generic.

  • Tolcapone (Tasmar)
    Sinemet (carbidopa / levodopa)
  • Tolcapone (Tasmar)
    Sinemet (carbidopa / levodopa)

  • Summary of Tasmar vs. Sinemet

    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
    Prescription only

    Sinemet (carbidopa / levodopa) is a combination medication made up of carbidopa and levodopa. It's one of the first-choice options for Parkinson's disease (PD) to relieve symptoms, such as shakiness and slowed movement. The medication comes in many forms and strengths, but it must be taken multiple times per day in order to relieve your PD symptoms.

  • Indications of Tasmar vs. Sinemet

    Indications for
    •Parkinson's disease (PD); as add-on treatment to carbidopa/levodopa
    Indications for
    •Parkinson's disease (PD)
    •Parkinsonism (conditions that cause people to have signs and symptoms of PD, including slowness, stiffness, shakiness, and imbalance)

  • Pros and Cons of Tasmar vs. Sinemet

    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
    Pros
    •First-choice option for treating PD symptoms
    •Available in many forms: immediate-release tablets, extended-release tablets, and orally disintegrating tablets
    •Available in multiple strengths, so your provider can prescribe a higher dose if needed
    •Available in a lower-cost generic form
    Cons
    •Usually needs to be taken multiple times per day to control PD symptoms
    •Can make you very sleepy and cause you to fall asleep suddenly
    •Can darken the color of your saliva, sweat, and urine
    •Might not work as well if your PD symptoms worsen

  • Common Side Effects of Tasmar vs. Sinemet

    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 or dystonia, 12-17%)
    •Nausea (6%)

  • Warnings of Tasmar vs. Sinemet

    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
    •High fevers and confusion
    •Hallucinations and changes in behavior and thoughts
    •Difficulty controlling impulsive behavior
    •Skin cancer

  • Prices with our coupons for Tasmar vs. Sinemet

    Learn more about Tolcapone
    Learn more about Sinemet

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