Compare carbidopa / levodopa / entacapone vs. Duopa

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 advanced stages of Parkinson's disease.

Duopa (carbidopa / levodopa) pumps carbidopa/levodopa into your body throughout the day. It is reserved for advanced Parkinson's disease when your symptoms become more frequent than the dosing of your tablets.

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.
  • Duopa (carbidopa / levodopa) allows you to have better control of your symptoms than oral tablets, especially in later stages of Parkinson's disease.
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.
  • Given via pump so you'll need to have a procedure to attach the pump to your body.
  • You'll need to take good care of the pump so that it doesn't get disconnected or infected.
  • Duopa (carbidopa / levodopa) only lasts for 16 hours. You may need to take an extra dose of carbidopa/levodopa as tablet for nighttime control.
  • You need to keep Duopa (carbidopa / levodopa) in a fridge, but it should sit at room temperature 20 minutes before infusion.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$134.75
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Lowest price
$11.00
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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
26possible side effects
  • Problems with J-tube
    56%
  • Nausea
    30%
  • Constipation
    22%
  • Redness and swelling at the J-tube site
    19%
  • Difficulty controlling movements
    14%
  • Depression
    11%
  • Discharge at the J-tube site
    11%
  • Swelling in the arms and legs
    8%
  • High blood pressure
    8%
  • Flu and cold
    8%
  • Sore throat
    8%
  • Collapsed lung
    8%
  • Confusion
    8%
  • Anxiety
    8%
  • Dizziness
    8%
  • Hiatal hernia
    8%
  • Intestinal blockage
    5%
  • Sleep problems
    5%
  • Fever
    5%
  • Scar tissue
    5%
  • Rash
    5%
  • Urinary tract infection
    5%
  • Hallucinations
    5%
  • Psychotic disorder
    5%
  • Diarrhea
    5%
  • Indigestion
    5%
See more detailed side effects
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
  • Stomach problems
    • Surgery to place the J-tube
  • Falling asleep during the day
    • Taking other medicines for Parkinson's
  • High fever and confusion
    • Stopping Duopa (carbidopa / levodopa) suddenly
  • Changes in behavior
  • Lack of impulse control
    • Taking other medicines for Parkinson's disease
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Stalevo (carbidopa / levodopa / entacapone)
Learn more about Duopa (carbidopa / levodopa)