General Information on Duodopa
Duodopa is indicated for the management of severe involuntary movements associated with Parkinson’s disease. The generic name of this drug is Levodopa/Carbidopa Intestinal Gel. Duodopa falls under a category of drugs referred to as anti-Parkinson medicines.
Duodopa works by improving the levels of certain chemicals that help the patient regain control over his/her movements as well as posture. Duodopa contains two active ingredients, levodopa and carbidopa. In addition, it also contains the following inactive ingredients: purified water and carmellose sodium.
Side effects of Duodopa
Before starting treatment, discuss all the possible risks attached with this anti-Parkinson drug with your doctor. The side effects of Duodopa are divided in two categories, less severe and severe.
Less severe side effects of Duodopa may include, but are not restricted to: abnormal involuntary muscle movements, loss of appetite, vomiting, nausea, abnormal dreams, dark saliva, dizziness, lightheadedness, slow movements, increased sex drive, drowsiness, or skin pigmentation.
Severe side effects of Duodopa may include, but are not restricted to: painful or difficult urination, blood in the urine, depression, anemia symptoms (shortness of breath, tiredness, or pale appearance) forgetfulness, fainting, numbness in the feet or hands, easy bruising, easy or unusual bleeding, or mild skin rash.
Patients who have a known hypersensitivity to levodopa and/or carbidopa should not buy Duodopa. A hypersensitive reaction, if left untreated, can sometimes prove dangerous. Symptoms associated with a hypersensitive reaction include the following: hives, skin rash, facial flushing, itching, swelling of the upper face, or difficulty breathing or swallowing.
Duodopa is contraindicated in patients who have/have had any of the following medical conditions: severe heart failure, severe liver insufficiency, narrow-angle glaucoma, hormonal problems, melanoma, acute stroke, or severe cardiac arrhythmia.
To make sure Duodopa is completely safe for you, inform your physician about your medical history, especially if you have or ever had any of the following: serious lung problems, heart attack, asthmatic bronchitis, gastric ulcer, hormonal disturbances, mental disorders such as depression, or seizures.
You should not use Duodopa if you have taken a MAO inhibitor. Examples of this drug type include such as Selegiline, Phenelzine, Isocarboxazid, or Tranylcypromine in the last 14 days.
The safety and efficacy of Duodopa in pregnant and lactating women has not been studied. If you are pregnant or if you are in the breastfeeding stage, you should use Duodopa only if your doctor recommends it.
Dosage of Duodopa
Duodopa intestinal gel is available in Duodopa 20mg/ml + 5mg/ml strength. This means 1ml of Duodopa intestinal gel contains 20mg of levodopa and 5mg of carbidopa monohydrate.
The daily dose of Duodopa is divided into 3 individually adjusted dosages- a morning dose, a maintenance dose, and an extra dose. Depending on your condition and tolerance to treatment, your doctor will inform you about how much Duodopa you should take in these 3 dosages. It is critical that you take your medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Interactions
Certain drugs such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, iron supplements, phenytoin, high blood pressure or heart medications, and others may interact with Duodopa. Before you buy Duodopa, inform your doctor about all the drugs you are currently taking.
