Duodopa (Levodopa And Carbidopa)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Duodopa Used For?
Duodopa is a specialized medication designed to help people with advanced Parkinson’s disease regain better control over their movements and posture.
Primary Uses
Duodopa is specifically used to treat advanced Parkinson’s disease, helping patients gain control over their movements and posture when other treatments may not be providing adequate symptom control.
How It Works
Duodopa contains two active ingredients: levodopa and carbidopa. These work together to help restore the brain chemicals needed for proper movement control in Parkinson’s disease.
How to Take Duodopa
Duodopa is delivered as a gel directly into your stomach through a special pump and tube system that is surgically placed by your doctor.
Dosage Instructions
Your doctor will calculate your individual Duodopa dose based on your specific needs. The pump is programmed to give you 2 or more doses in each 24-hour period, including a larger morning ‘bolus’ dose to quickly build up medicine levels, followed by a continuous dose throughout the day. Your doctor may also prescribe additional bolus doses at certain times depending on how you respond. Each cassette should only be used once for a maximum of 16 hours.
What If You Miss a Dose?
Duodopa should be used every day. If you miss your dose, start the pump with your usual dose as soon as you remember.
Important: Never stop using Duodopa suddenly. Always follow your doctor’s directions and continue until they tell you to stop.
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Uncontrollable twitching and jerking movements
- Weight loss
- Pain and redness at tube location
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Indigestion or heartburn
- Dry mouth
- Reduced appetite
- Increased sweating
- Rash
- Neck pain
- Uncontrolled muscle contractions
- Headache
- Tiredness or lack of energy
- Difficulty sleeping or strange dreams
- Dizziness when standing up quickly
- Tingling in hands or feet
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Frequent infections with fever, skin sores, dental problems
- Severe stomach pain or cramping
- Tube movement or blockage
- Unusual skin marks or moles
- Depression or thoughts of suicide
- Confusion or extreme nervousness
- Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t real)
- Sudden uncontrolled urges
- Allergic reactions (face/throat swelling, difficulty breathing)
- Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (fast heartbeat, sweating, fever, muscle stiffness, loss of consciousness)
Important Warnings
There are several important conditions and situations where Duodopa should not be used or requires special caution.
Who Should Not Take Duodopa
Do not use Duodopa if you: are allergic to levodopa, carbidopa, or any ingredients; have narrow angle glaucoma (sudden fluid build-up in the eye); have liver or kidney problems; have or have had melanoma, or have unchecked skin marks or sores; have adrenal gland conditions like pheochromocytoma or Cushing’s syndrome; have an overactive thyroid.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Check with your doctor if you have: had a stroke, heart attack, or other heart problems; had severe asthma; have or have had depression or suicidal thoughts; have or have had other mental health issues; had a stomach ulcer; ever had abdominal surgery; have or have had high eye pressure; take any other medicines.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to breastfeed. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while using Duodopa.
Drug Interactions
Several medications can interfere with how Duodopa works, and Duodopa can affect how other medicines work.
- Certain antidepressants (especially MAO inhibitors like phenylzine, tranylcypromine)
- Entacapone (may increase Duodopa’s effect)
- Amantadine (may increase Duodopa’s effect)
- Antipsychotic medicines (chlorpromazine, thioridazine, haloperidol, risperidone)
- Anti-nausea medicines (metoclopramide)
- Anti-anxiety medicines (diazepam, clonazepam)
- Isoniazid (tuberculosis treatment)
- Phenytoin (seizure medication)
- Papaverine (blood flow medication)
- Iron supplements
- Blood pressure medications (Duodopa may increase their effect)
Alcohol & Driving
Special precautions are needed when it comes to driving and alcohol use while taking Duodopa.
Alcohol
There is no specific information available about the effects of using Duodopa with alcohol. Discuss alcohol use with your doctor.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Use caution when driving or using machines while taking Duodopa. This medication may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, sleepiness, and blurred vision, which can affect your ability to drive safely.
Storage
Store Duodopa in the refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C. Do not allow the medicine to freeze. Keep cassettes in their original packaging until ready to use. Use each cassette only once for a maximum of 16 hours, even if medicine remains. Do not use after the expiry date. Keep away from children.
Overdose Information
If you think you have used too much Duodopa, immediately contact your doctor or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital. Do this even if you don’t feel unwell or show signs of poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Duodopa is delivered as a gel directly into your stomach through a pump and tube system, providing continuous medication delivery throughout the day, unlike oral tablets that are taken at specific times.
Each cassette should only be used once for a maximum of 16 hours, even if there is medicine left over.
Contact your doctor immediately if you have any problems with the pump or tube, including issues with the skin where the tube is located.
No, never stop using Duodopa suddenly. Always follow your doctor’s directions and continue taking it until your doctor tells you to stop.
Tell your doctor immediately if your Parkinson’s symptoms get worse or if it becomes harder to move than usual.
Yes, keep all your doctor’s appointments so your progress can be monitored. You should also get regular skin cancer checks and remind any doctor or dentist you visit that you’re using Duodopa.
Store Duodopa in the refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C. Don’t let it freeze, and keep cassettes in their original packaging until you’re ready to use them.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.