Compare carbidopa / levodopa / entacapone vs. carbidopa / levodopa

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

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Treats Parkinson's disease.

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

Treats Parkinson's disease.

Sinemet (carbidopa / levodopa) is the first choice treatment for Parkinson's disease.

Upsides
  • 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.
  • Sinemet (carbidopa / levodopa) is widely available as a regular pill, a quick dissolving pill or a liquid taken through a feeding tube.
  • Sinemet (carbidopa / levodopa) is available in generic.
Downsides
  • 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.
  • Can make you very sleepy.
  • Can stain your saliva, sweat and urine a dark color.
  • Will lose its effect over time as your disease progresses.
  • May need to be taken several times during day to control symptoms of Parkinson's disease
  • May cause unusual cravings in some people.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Pill
  • Dissolving tablet
Price
Lowest price
$54.13
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Lowest price
$114.67
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Reviews
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Side effects
20possible side effects
  • Difficulty controlling movements
    25%
  • Muscle spasm
    10%
  • Changes in urine color
    10%
  • Discolored urine
    10%
  • Muscle rigidity
    9%
  • Dizziness
    8%
  • Abdominal pain
    8%
  • Fatigue
    6%
  • Constipation
    6%
  • Back pain
    5%
  • Vomiting
    4%
  • Dry mouth
    3%
  • Shortness of breath
    3%
  • Bruising
    3%
  • Increased sweating
    2%
  • Anxiety
    2%
  • Sleepiness
    2%
  • Indigestion
    2%
  • Flatulence
    2%
  • Weakness
    2%
See more detailed side effects
The Sinemet (carbidopa / levodopa) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
  • Difficulty controlling movements
  • Diarrhea
  • Muscle damage
  • Changes in blood pressure and falls
  • Stomach bleeding
    • History of stomach ulcers
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Falling asleep during the day
    • Taking other medicines for Parkinson's
  • High fever and confusion
    • Stopping Sinemet (carbidopa / levodopa) suddenly
  • Changes in behavior
  • Lack of impulse control
    • Taking other medicines for Parkinson's disease
  • Changes in blood pressure and falls
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Stalevo (carbidopa / levodopa / entacapone)
Learn more about Sinemet (carbidopa / levodopa)