Compare Apokyn vs. carbidopa / levodopa / entacapone

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

Apokyn (apomorphine)

Prescription only

Stalevo (carbidopa / levodopa / entacapone)

Prescription only

Helps you move around.

Apokyn (apomorphine) is good for treating the "off" episodes or difficulty moving around when you have advanced Parkinson's disease, but it can cause vomiting and sudden sleepiness.

Treats Parkinson's disease.

Stalevo (carbidopa / levodopa / entacapone) is a good choice for Parkinson's disease, especially when carbidopa/levodopa starts losing its effect.

Upsides

Preferred drug according to the guidelines to treat the "off" periods or inability to control movements well that's associated with Parkinson's.
People respond to the injection of Apokyn (apomorphine) very quickly and this response can last longer than other medicines.

It combines three medicines into one pill so you don't have to take so many pills daily.
Stalevo (carbidopa / levodopa / entacapone) is available as a generic.

Downsides

Can cause vomiting and sudden sleepiness. Your doctor will have to give you a medicine to stop the vomiting from happening.
Apokyn (apomorphine) should only be used if you have an "off" period of moving around. You should keep using your other medicines for your Parkinson's.
Dosing can be confusing since the pen only dispenses in milliliters, and there have been reports of people getting overdoses of Apokyn (apomorphine) because they thought it was for milligrams.
Stopping Apokyn (apomorphine) suddenly or lowering the dose too quickly can cause your muscles to become very stiff and you might get a very high fever, which can be life threatening. Talk to your doctor if you want to stop taking this medicine.

You would first start by taking Stalevo (carbidopa / levodopa / entacapone) as two different pills, carbidopa/levodopa and entacapone, before you get switched over to Stalevo (carbidopa / levodopa / entacapone).
It's less customizable since there are only a few fixed combinations available.

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