Prolopa

Common Name: levodopa - benserazide

How does Prolopa work?

Levodopa and benserazide are used for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Levodopa helps to control the symptoms of Parkinson's disease by correcting the chemical imbalance in the brain that produces symptoms. Levodopa can be used alone, but adding benserazide lowers the amount of levodopa that is required, and may reduce some of the side effects such as nausea and vomiting that are associated with levodopa. Although levodopa helps relieve symptoms of Parkinson's disease, it does not slow down the progression of the disease. Your doctor may choose to use a medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you're unsure why you are taking this medication, contact your doctor.

How should I use Prolopa?

Treatment with levodopa - benserazide should be started slowly and increased gradually to reduce the risk of side effects while gaining maximum benefit from the medication. The recommended starting dose is one capsule of levodopa 100 mg - benserazide 25 mg once or twice a day. Your doctor will usually increase the dose by one capsule every third or fourth day until the best effect occurs without side effects. When the dose gets higher, your doctor may increase the dose at two to four week intervals. This dose should be divided so that the medication is taken at least four times a day with, or immediately after, meals. Swallow the capsules whole and do not open them. Do not dissolve them in liquid. The best eventual dose for most people is 4 to 8 capsules of levodopa 100 mg - benserazide 25 mg daily (divided into four to six doses). When first starting the medication, it may be taken with meals or a snack to reduce stomach upset. Later, when your body has become accustomed to the medication, it should be taken on an empty stomach for best absorption into your body. Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the one above, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor. It is very important that this medication be used exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on with your regular schedule. Do not double doses. If you forget to take more than one dose, check with your doctor.

What form(s) does Prolopa come in?

Prolopa® is available in strengths of 50/12.5 mg, 100/25 mg, and 200/50 mg. Prolopa 50-12.5: Each light-grey and blue capsule, marked with "ROCHE" in black ink on both body and cap, contains levodopa 50 mg and benserazide 12.5 mg. Prolopa 100-25: Each blue and pale-pink-coloured capsule, marked with "ROCHE" in black ink on both body and cap, contains levodopa 100 mg and benserazide 25 mg. Prolopa 200-50: Each blue and caramel-coloured capsule, marked with "ROCHE" in black ink on both body and cap, contains levodopa 200 mg and benserazide 50 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: gelatin, indigotine, iron oxide, magnesium stearate, mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone, talc, and titanium dioxide. This medication does not contain gluten, lactose, paraben, sodium, sulfite, or tartrazine.

What should I NOT take with Prolopa?

Levodopa - benserazide should not be used by anyone who: is allergic to levodopa, benserazide, or any of the ingredients of the medication cannot take sympathomimetic amines (e.g., epinephrine) has taken MAO inhibitors (e.g., phenelzine, tranylcypromine) within two weeks of taking levodopa - benserazide has active heart disease, blood-related diseases, endocrine disease, liver disease, lung disease, or kidney disease has a psychiatric disorder has narrow-angle glaucoma is pregnant or may become pregnant is younger than 25 years of age

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Prolopa?

Glaucoma: People with chronic wide-angle glaucoma should use this medication with caution as it may increase pressure inside the eye. Medical conditions: People with epilepsy, peptic ulcer, heart disease, liver disease, blood disorders, or kidney disease should be frequently monitored by their doctor while taking this medication. People with diabetes should test their blood sugar frequently when taking this medication. Medication withdrawal: Do not stop taking levodopa - benserazide suddenly as severe withdrawal effects may occur. Physical activity: People with severe parkinsonism who improve on levodopa - benserazide therapy should resume normal activities gradually and with caution to reduce the risk of injury. Physiotherapy and appropriate safeguards may be useful during this stage. Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy. In the event that women of childbearing age become pregnant or wish to become pregnant while taking this medication, they should consult their doctor. Breast-feeding: Levodopa - benserazide should not be taken by nursing mothers. Children and young adults: The safety of levodopa - benserazide has not been established for use by those under the age of 25.