Compare entacapone vs. Rytary

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

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Comtan (entacapone)

Prescription only

Rytary (carbidopa / levodopa)

Prescription only
Treats Parkinson's disease.

Comtan (entacapone) enhances the effect of carbidopa/levodopa. It's usually added on when carbidopa/levodopa starts to lose its effect on Parkinson's disease.

Treats Parkinson's disease.

Rytary (carbidopa / levodopa) can be used to treat Parkinson's disease, but it can be expensive.

Upsides
  • Allows you to get more out of carbidopa/levodopa, especially in later stages of Parkinson's disease.
  • Comtan (entacapone) is available in a single pill combination with carbidopa/levodopa.
  • Rytary (carbidopa / levodopa) comes in 4 different strengths.
  • If you have private prescription insurance, there are programs to make Rytary (carbidopa / levodopa) more affordable.
Downsides
  • Must be taken with other medicines for Parkinson's disease
  • Can make you lightheaded especially if you suddenly stand up from sitting or lying down.
  • Can make you very sleepy
  • May require frequent adjustments before finding the dose that works best for you
  • There are other forms of Rytary (carbidopa / levodopa) that are generic and much cheaper.
  • Your doctor might have to change the dose of Rytary (carbidopa / levodopa) often before they find a dose that works for you.
  • Rytary (carbidopa / levodopa) can cause uncontrollable movements to happen, but this doesn't happen for 3 to 5 years.
  • Rytary (carbidopa / levodopa) is not a cure for Parkinson's disease; it can only slow the disease down.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Extended release capsule
Price
Lowest price
$765.80
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Lowest price
$9.00
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Reviews
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Side effects
21possible side effects
  • Difficulty controlling movements
    25%
  • Nausea
    14%
  • Muscle spasm
    10%
  • Changes in urine color
    10%
  • Diarrhea
    10%
  • Muscle rigidity
    9%
  • Dizziness
    8%
  • Abdominal pain
    8%
  • Fatigue
    6%
  • Constipation
    6%
  • Vomiting
    4%
  • Dry mouth
    3%
  • Shortness of breath
    3%
  • Purple spots on the skin
    3%
  • Increased sweating
    2%
  • Back pain
    2%
  • Anxiety
    2%
  • Sleepiness
    2%
  • Indigestion
    2%
  • Flatulence
    2%
  • Weakness
    2%
See more detailed side effects
11possible side effects
  • Nausea
    20%
  • Headache
    17%
  • Dizziness
    12%
  • Dry mouth
    7%
  • Trouble sleeping
    6%
  • Abnormal dreams
    5%
  • Difficulty controlling movements
    5%
  • Anxiety
    5%
  • Vomiting
    5%
  • Changes in blood pressure
    5%
  • Constipation
    2%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • Falling asleep during the day
    • Taking other medicines for Parkinson's
  • Changes in behavior
  • Low blood pressure and fainting
    • Low blood pressure
    • Taking medicines for high blood pressure
  • Lack of impulse control
    • Taking other medicines for Parkinson's disease
  • Diarrhea
  • Difficulty controlling movements
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Falling asleep during the day
    • Taking other medicines for Parkinson's disease
  • High fever and confusion
    • Stopping Rytary (carbidopa / levodopa) suddenly
  • Changes in behavior
  • Lack of impulse control
    • Taking other medicines for Parkinson's disease
  • Heart attack
    • History of heart attack
    • High risk for heart attack
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Comtan (entacapone)
Learn more about Rytary (carbidopa / levodopa)