CARBIDOPA-LEVODOPA (Generic for SINEMET 10-100)

Take this medication by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow whole. Do not crush or chew. You may cut the tablets in half. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medication more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your care team.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
A severe reaction similar to neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) may occur if you reduce the dose of or stop taking this medication too quickly. Symptoms of NMS include high fever, stiff muscles, increased sweating, fast or irregular heartbeat, and confusion. Contact your care team right away if think you have NMS.
This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.
When taking this medication, you may fall asleep without notice. You may be doing activities, such as driving a car, talking, or eating. You may not feel drowsy before it happens. Contact your care team right away if this happens to you.
There have been reports of increased sexual urges or other strong urges, such as gambling while taking this medication. If you experience any of these while taking this medication, you should report this to your care team as soon as possible.
You may experience a 'wearing off' effect before it is time to take your next dose of this medication. You may also experience an 'on-off' effect where the medication seems to stop working for minutes to hours, then suddenly starts working again. Tell your care team if this happens to you. Your dose may need to be adjusted.
Eating high protein foods may affect how this medication works. Tell your care team if you change your diet.
If you have diabetes, you may get a false-positive result for sugar in your urine. Check with your care team.
This medication can make your saliva, sweat, or urine look dark red or black. This is normal but may stain clothing or fabrics.
This medication may cause low levels of vitamin B6 in your body. Make sure that you get enough vitamin B6 while you are taking this medication. Discuss the foods you eat and the vitamins you take with your care team.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Keep out of the reach of children.
Store below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.