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Prescription Medicine |
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Comtan® is a prescription medicine for the treatment of symptoms of
Parkinson’s Disease in people already taking a medicine called levodopa.
The tablet contains 200mg of entacapone. Check with your doctor if
Comtan is right for you. Comtan is funded under special criteria and
doctor’s charges will apply. Do not take Comtan if you are pregnant,
breastfeeding, have liver disease, a tumour on the adrenal gland ((phaeochrom-ocytoma), severe muscle weakness or a serious condition called neuroleptic
malignant syndrome. Tell your doctor if you have severe kidney disease
or are on dialysis or you are on certain medicines for depression like
MAO inhibitors, warfarin or iron. Common side effects are nausea or
vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, pain in the stomach, dry mouth,
dizziness, vertigo, shakiness, headache, increased sweating, difficulty
sleeping, unusual dreams, feeling depressed, reddish-brown urine. Rarely
sudden onset sleepiness. If symptoms persist or you have side effects
see your doctor. Always read the label and use strictly as directed.
Comtan is the registered trademark of Novartis AG. Novartis New Zealand
Limited, Auckland.
For further information check the
Consumer Medicine Information [CMI]
The contents and information given in
this website are not intended to replace the consultation and advice on
your individual situation from your own doctor.
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Last Updated:
January 2010
TAPS NA1158 |
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What is COMTAN?
Comtan is used to
treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease in people who are
already taking a medicine called levodopa. When levodopa on its
own does not control the symptoms i.e. you are experiencing sign
of “wearing- off” , Comtan can be added.
COMTAN is a member of a class of
medications called catechol O-methyltransferase (pronounced
KAT-uh-kol oh-METH-uhl-trans-fur-ayse) inhibitors. More simply,
these medications are called COMT inhibitors.
How do COMTAN tablets work?
The COMT enzyme is
a substance in the body that breaks down levodopa before it can
get to the brain. By blocking the COMT enzyme, COMTAN helps more
levodopa become available to the brain. When levodopa reaches
the brain, it is converted into dopamine (DOPE-a-meen). Dopamine
is the chemical that helps the brain control activities, such as
walking, talking, and moving. People who have Parkinson's
disease (PD) don't produce enough dopamine. In addition, the
cells in the brain that make dopamine aren't working properly.
That's why you are taking levodopa medicine. Once levodopa
reaches the brain, it is converted into dopamine. Supplementing
dopamine in the brain by taking levodopa can help control PD
symptoms-enabling people to pursue daily tasks, such as
dressing, walking, and handling utensils.
Together, Comtan and levodopa help to
relieve symptoms such as shaking of the limbs, stiffness and
slowness of movement, which make it difficult to perform normal
daily activities. Other medicines can also be added to help
treat this condition.
How long does it take before COMTAN starts working?
Comtan begins
working right away, within the first few days, helping to
provide consistent control of symptoms. Remember: Comtan works
only in conjunction with levodopa therapy.
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