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Tasmar vs. Duopa

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

Key takeaways

Tolcapone (Tasmar) and carbidopa/levodopa (Duopa) are both used to treat Parkinson's disease (PD), but they work in different ways and have different uses. Tolcapone is a catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitor that is used as an add-on treatment to carbidopa/levodopa when symptoms are not well controlled. On the other hand, Duopa is a combination of carbidopa and levodopa, which replaces dopamine in the brain and is used for movement problems related to advanced PD. Duopa is delivered through a PEG-J tube with an infusion pump, while tolcapone is taken orally. Tolcapone can cause serious liver damage and requires regular liver monitoring, whereas Duopa can cause stomach problems due to the tube placement. Both medications can cause sleepiness and changes in behavior. Tolcapone is available as a lower-cost generic, while carbidopa/levodopa is only available as a branded medication.

Tolcapone

(Tasmar)

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Duopa

(carbidopa / levodopa)

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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)

Summary for Duopa

Prescription only

Duopa is a combination medication that contains carbidopa and levodopa. It treats adults with symptoms of advanced Parkinson's disease (PD). It helps raise dopamine levels in the brain to improve movement problems from PD. Duopa (carbidopa / levodopa) comes as a cassette that gets attached to an infusion pump. The infusion pump then sends the medication into the gut through a feeding tube called a PEG-J tube. The medication is given over 16 hours out of the day as a morning dose, a continuous dose, and any extra doses. Side effects include nausea, constipation, and involuntary muscle movements.

Indications for Duopa

Pros and Cons for Duopa

Pros

  • Given into your body continuously for 16 hours, so you don't need to remember to take pills
  • Comes with extra doses in case you feel like the medication is wearing off

Cons

  • Must have a minor procedure done to place the PEG-J tube in your intestines
  • Risk of serious stomach problems since the infusion pump sends the medication directly into your gut
  • Can cause sleepiness and changes in behavior

Common Side Effects for Duopa

  • Issues related to tube placement (57%)
  • Nausea (30%)
  • Constipation (22%)
  • Redness around the area where the tube is placed (19%)
  • Involuntary movements (dyskinesia, 14%)
  • Depression (11%)
  • Discharge after the procedure where the tube is placed (11%)
  • Swelling in the legs or feet (8%)
  • High blood pressure (8%)
  • Upper respiratory tract infection (8%)
  • Mouth or throat pain (8%)
  • Collapsed lung (8%)

Warnings for Duopa

  • Stomach problems
  • Sleepiness or falling asleep during activities
  • A drop in blood pressure when standing
  • Hallucinations, changes in behavior and thoughts, and confusion
  • Difficulty controlling impulsive behavior
  • Depression and suicidal thoughts
  • High fevers and confusion with treatment changes
  • Low vitamin B6 levels and seizures
  • Nerve problems
  • Heart problems
  • Rise in eye pressure in people with glaucoma

Prices with our coupons for Tasmar vs. Duopa

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Tolcapone90 tablets / 100mg
$1,039.65$9,098.91
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Price Card Drug Icon
Duopa6 cartridges / 100ml of 4.63mg/20mg/ml
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