SINEMET (levodopa/carbidopa) is an antidyskinetic combination used to treat Parkinson's disease. SINEMET(levodopa/carbidopa) may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
SINEMET (levodopa/carbidopa) is used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease including tremors (shaking), stiffness, and slowness of movement. SINEMET (levodopa/carbidopa) also may improve your gait (walk), posture, swallowing, speech, handwriting, vigor, alertness, and sense of well-being and may control excess salivation and seborrhea (oily, crusty, scaly skin).
SINEMET (levodopa/carbidopa) comes as a regular and extended-release (long-acting) tablet to take by mouth. Levodopa and carbidopa usually is taken three or four times a day. You may have to take SINEMET (levodopa/carbidopa) for several months before you feel its full effect. SINEMET (levodopa/carbidopa) may be needed for a long time to treat Parkinson's disease. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take SINEMET (levodopa/carbidopa) exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of SINEMET (levodopa/carbidopa) or take SINEMET (levodopa/carbidopa) more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Do not stop taking SINEMET (levodopa/carbidopa) suddenly without talking with your doctor. Sudden stoppage of SINEMET (levodopa/carbidopa) can cause symptoms of Parkinson's disease to return.
SINEMET side effects, that may go away during treatment, include stomach upset, loss of appetite, dry mouth, change in taste, headache, or dizziness. If SINEMET side effects continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience SINEMET side effects like vomiting; severe abdominal pain; unusual or painful movements of face, eyelids, mouth, tongue, arms, hands, or legs; diarrhea; chest pain; trouble sleeping; depression; or confusion. If you notice other SINEMET side effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
What other SINEMET Information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to SINEMET (levodopa/carbidopa).
SINEMET (levodopa/carbidopa) can lose its effect completely over time or only at certain times during the day. Call your doctor if your Parkinson's disease symptoms (shaking, stiffness, and slowness of movement) worsen or vary in severity.
As your condition improves and it is easier for you to move, be careful not to overdo physical activities. Increase your activity gradually to avoid falls and injuries.
SINEMET (levodopa/carbidopa) can cause false results in urine tests for sugar (Clinistix, Clinitest, and TesTape) and ketones (Acetest, Ketostix, and Labstix). Diabetic patients should use TesTape to test urine for glucose (sugar); better results can be obtained by holding the tape vertically, inserting the lower portion of the tape into the urine sample, and reading the color at the top of the damp area.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions ON SINEMET Information OR about refilling your prescription