What is Duopa? Uses, warnings & side effects

How to take Duopa

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you. Your prescribed dose of Duopa® will be programmed into your pump by your doctor. Your dose should only be changed by your doctor.

• Duopa® is given continuously for 16 hours directly into your stomach. Your doctor will show you how to use Duopa® and the portable pump that delivers the medicine.

• Keep a supply of carbidopa/levodopa immediate-release tablets in case you are not able to get your Duopa® infusion. You will also need these tablets for your prescribed nighttime dose after your Duopa® dose.

• This medicine will take longer to work if you take it with a high-protein meal. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you should take it 1 or 2 hours before a meal.

• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

• Missed dose: You must use this medicine on a fixed schedule. Call your doctor or pharmacist if you miss a dose.

• Store Duopa® cassette in its original carton and in the refrigerator, away from light. After you remove a cassette from the refrigerator, it should be used within 16 hours. Do not freeze.

What to do if you miss a dose of Duopa

Duopa contraindications - Who shouldn't take Duopa?

• This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to carbidopa or levodopa.

Duopa warnings

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

• This medicine may cause the following problems:Unusual changes in thoughts or behavior, such as the urge to gamble or an increased sex driveDepression or unusual behaviorDyskinesia (trouble controlling movements)An increased risk for skin cancer

• This medicine may make you dizzy, drowsy, or lightheaded, or even cause you to fall asleep without warning. This could happen while you are driving, eating, or talking. Tell your doctor right away if this happens. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, glaucoma, heart disease, heart rhythm problems (such as arrhythmia), high blood pressure, a sleep disorder, or a history of heart attack or skin cancer.

• Unusual behavior, mood changes, seeing or hearing things that are not there, or thoughts of hurting yourself

• New or worse muscle movement you cannot control

• Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet

Duopa interactions & what to avoid when taking Duopa

• Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.

• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

• Some foods and medicines can affect how carbidopa/levodopa works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:Isoniazid, metoclopramide, papaverine, risperidoneA phenothiazine medicine (such as chlorpromazine, perphenazine, prochlorperazine, promethazine, thioridazine)Blood pressure medicinesIron supplementsMedicine to treat depression or mental illness

• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

• Do not use this medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor (MAOI) within the past 14 days.