Compare Duopa vs. carbidopa / levodopa

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

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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.

Treats Parkinson's disease.

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

Upsides
  • Duopa (carbidopa / levodopa) allows you to have better control of your symptoms than oral tablets, especially in later stages of Parkinson's disease.
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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
  • Liquid
  • Pill
  • Dissolving tablet
Price
Lowest price
$17.08
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Lowest price
$112.57
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Reviews
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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
The Sinemet (carbidopa / levodopa) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
  • 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
  • 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 Duopa (carbidopa / levodopa)
Learn more about Sinemet (carbidopa / levodopa)