Tasmar

 
Generic Name: tolcapone

Brands: Tasmar

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What is the most important information I should know about Tasmar?

· In rare cases, Tasmar has caused severe liver damage resulting in death. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, unusual fatigue, loss of appetite, yellow skin or eyes, itching, dark urine, or clay colored stools. These symptoms may be early signs of liver damage. Your doctor will want to monitor your liver function with blood tests during treatment with Tasmar.

· Due to the risk of serious liver damage, Tasmar is only to be used in combination with carbidopa and levodopa by patients who are not responding adequately to carbidopa and levodopa and who cannot take other medicines to treat their condition.

· Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Tasmar may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

· Dizziness may be more likely to occur when rising from a sitting or lying position. To avoid falls, rise slowly from a sitting or lying position.

 

What is Tasmar?

· Tasmar helps slow the breakdown of dopamine in the body. It also increases levels of levodopa (Dopar, Larodopa, Sinemet), which is turned into dopamine in the body. Parkinson's disease is believed to be related to low levels of dopamine in the body.

· Tasmar is used with carbidopa and levodopa to treat the stiffness, tremors, spasms, and poor muscle control of Parkinson's disease. Tasmar is used only in combination with carbidopa and levodopa. It is not effective if it is used on its own.

· Tasmar may also be used for purposes other than those listed in the medication guide.

 

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Tasmar?

· Do not take Tasmar without first talking to your doctor if you     ·have liver disease;     ·are taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate); or     ·have ever experienced muscle damage or elevated body temperature and confusion because of a medication.

· You may not be able to take Tasmar if you have any of the conditions listed above.

· Before taking Tasmar, tell your doctor if you     ·have kidney disease, or     ·have low blood pressure.

· You may not be able to take Tasmar, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

· Tasmar is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Tasmar will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

· It is not known whether Tasmar passes into breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

· If you are over 75 years of age, you may be more likely to experience hallucinations while taking Tasmar. You may need a dose adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.

 

How should I take Tasmar?

· Take Tasmar exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

· Your doctor will ask you to sign a "patient consent" form before taking Tasmar to make sure that you understand the potential risks and benefits of taking this medication.

· Tasmar is usually taken three times a day. Generally, the first dose is taken with your first daily dose of carbidopa and levodopa. The second and third doses of Tasmar are taken 6 and 12 hours later.

· You can take Tasmar with or without food.

· In rare cases, Tasmar has caused severe liver damage resulting in death. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, unusual fatigue, loss of appetite, yellow skin or eyes, itching, dark urine, or clay-colored stools. These symptoms may be early signs of liver damage. Your doctor will want to monitor your liver function with blood tests during treatment with Tasmar.

· Do not stop taking Tasmar suddenly. You may require a gradual dosage reduction to prevent withdrawal effects.

· Store Tasmar at room temperature in a tight container away from moisture and heat.

 

What happens if I miss a dose?

· Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

 

What happens if I overdose?

· Seek emergency medical attention.

· Symptoms of a Tasmar overdose include nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.

 

What should I avoid while taking Tasmar?

· Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Tasmar may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

· Dizziness may be more likely to occur when you rise from a sitting or lying position. To avoid falls, rise slowly.

· Avoid alcohol or use it cautiously while taking Tasmar. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness when taken with Tasmar.

 

What are the possible side effects of Tasmar?

· If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Tasmar and seek emergency medical attention or notify your doctor immediately:     ·an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);     ·liver damage (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, unusual fatigue, loss of appetite, yellow skin or eyes, itching, dark urine, or clay-colored stools);     ·a fever and confusion; or     ·blood in your urine.

· Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Notify your doctor if you experience     ·diarrhea;     ·hallucinations or confusion;     ·abnormal movements of the muscles;     ·muscle pain or cramps;     ·dizziness or fainting;     ·nausea or vomiting;     ·loss of appetite;     ·dry mouth;     ·insomnia or excessive dreaming;     ·drowsiness;     ·increased sweating; or     ·discolored urine.

· Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

 

What other drugs will affect Tasmar?

· Do not take Tasmar without first talking to your doctor if you are taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate). These medicines should not be taken with Tasmar.

· Before taking Tasmar, tell your doctor if you are taking     ·an oral anticoagulant such as warfarin (Coumadin); or      ·methyldopa (Aldoclor, Aldomet, Aldoril).

· You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment with Tasmar.

· Tasmar may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine unless your doctor approves.

· Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Tasmar. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

 

Where can I get more information?

· Your pharmacist has additional information about Tasmar written for health professionals that you may read.

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