FAQs about Comtan

Category: Comtan

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Comtan in December 1999 as an add-on treatment to levodopa and carbidopa in Parkinson’s patients experiencing off episodes, or periods of time when medication wears off and disease symptoms return between doses.

Category: Comtan

The safety of Comtan use during pregnancy is still unclear. Although animal studies suggest potential harm to a growing fetus, there is a shortage of clinical information examining its impact on pregnant human patients. If individuals with Parkinson’s intend to become pregnant while taking Comtan, they should consult with their healthcare provider about possible risks or concerns related to the medication.

Category: Comtan

When using Comtan, people might feel very sleepy or unexpectedly fall asleep while doing their normal daily activities. To stay safe, patients should avoid driving or other tasks that may be potentially dangerous if they fall asleep until they know how the medication affects them. If they experience these side effects, patients should speak with a doctor.

Category: Comtan

Comtan was seen to prolong the clinical effect of each levodopa dose as soon as after its first administration. In clinical studies, Comtan led to increases in daily on time as early as after two weeks, and those benefits became significantly greater than with a placebo after about eight weeks. However, because Parkinson’s disease varies from person to person, and not everyone responds the same way to Comtan, the time it takes to see its benefits also will vary.

Category: Comtan

Hair loss and weight gain were not reported as side effects of Comtan in clinical trials. However, weight loss might occur as a consequence of diarrhea, a common side effect of the medication, and weight gain may occur if patients develop an intense urge to binge eat. Patients should talk with their healthcare provider if these or any other unexpected events occur.