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Compare Tasmar vs. Rytary

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

Key takeaways

Tolcapone (Tasmar) and Rytary (carbidopa/levodopa) are both medications used to treat Parkinson's disease (PD). They help manage symptoms like stiffness and slow movement. However, they belong to different medication classes. Tolcapone is a catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitor, while Rytary is a combination of a dopa decarboxylase inhibitor and dopamine replacement. Tolcapone is only used as an add-on treatment with carbidopa/levodopa when symptoms aren't well-controlled, whereas Rytary can be used on its own. Both medications are taken three times daily. Tolcapone can cause serious liver damage, so regular liver monitoring is needed. Rytary can cause sleepiness, nausea, and dizziness and interacts with certain medications like MAOIs and iron.

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

  • Summary of Tasmar vs. Rytary

    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

    Rytary (carbidopa / levodopa) is a combination medication that helps treat adults with symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD). It raises the dopamine levels in the brain to improve symptoms like stiff muscles and slowed movement. Rytary (carbidopa / levodopa) is an extended-release capsule. The typical dosage is taken by mouth three times a day. Common side effects include nausea, headache, and dizziness.

  • Indications of Tasmar vs. Rytary

    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 PD symptoms, including tremors, slowness, and stiffness)

  • Pros and Cons of Tasmar vs. Rytary

    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
    •Can provide more "on" time and less "off" time than immediate-release carbidopa/levodopa in people with advanced PD
    •Available in 4 different strengths
    •Can open capsule and sprinkle contents onto applesauce if you have trouble swallowing pills whole
    Cons
    •Usually need to take multiple times per day
    •Can make you very sleepy and cause you to fall asleep suddenly
    •Interacts with certain monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and iron

  • Common Side Effects of Tasmar vs. Rytary

    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
    •Nausea (up to 20%)
    •Dizziness (up to 19%)
    •Headache (up to 17%)
    •Trouble sleeping (up to 9%)
    •Dry mouth (up to 7%)
    •Unusual dreams (up to 6%)
    •Constipation (up to 6%)
    •Involuntary movements (dyskinesia, up to 5%)
    •Anxiety (up to 5%)
    •Vomiting (up to 5%)
    •Drop in blood pressure when you get up (up to 5%)

  • Warnings of Tasmar vs. Rytary

    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 with treatment changes
    •Heart problems
    •Hallucinations and changes in behavior and thoughts
    •Difficulty controlling impulsive behavior
    •Low vitamin B6 levels and seizures
    •Stomach bleeding in people who've had a stomach ulcer
    •Rise in eye pressure in people with glaucoma

  • Prices with our coupons for Tasmar vs. Rytary

    Learn more about Tolcapone
    Learn more about Rytary

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