How STALEVO Works
How does the levodopa in STALEVO tablets work?
Dopamine is a naturally occurring substance in the brain that helps provide control of movement and activities such as walking and talking. In patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD), there is not enough dopamine in some parts of the brain.

Levodopa enters the brain and helps replace the missing dopamine, which allows people with PD to function better. That's why your healthcare professional may have prescribed a levodopa therapy for you. By increasing the amount of dopamine in the brain, levodopa helps control Parkinson's disease symptoms and helps you to perform daily activities such as dressing, walking, and handling utensils.

How long after starting a levodopa medicine does it begin to wear off?
Each person with PD is different, so the timing varies. Most people on levodopa will experience wearing off. Studies have shown that almost half of those taking traditional levodopa will experience wearing off within 1 or 2 years. You may be experiencing wearing off if you have 1 or more of the following symptoms between levodopa doses:

	Slowness of movement (bradykinesia)
	Tremors
	Feeling of internal tremors
	Decreased manual dexterity
	Inability to move (akinesia) in the early morning
	Sudden muscle spasms (dystonia)
	"Pins and needles" feeling (paresthesia)
	Pain
	Shortness of breath
	Voice softness
	Constipation

How effective is STALEVO?
STALEVO extends the benefits of levodopa and can significantly improve the control of Parkinson's symptoms. STALEVO may deliver smoother and steadier levels of levodopa to the brain in an extended, more consistent manner. Clinical studies evaluating the addition of entacapone to carbidopa/levodopa (the 3 ingredients in STALEVO) have shown that the majority of patients have better control of symptoms for longer periods of time each day.

How long does it take before STALEVO starts working?
For many people, STALEVO begins working right away—often with the first dose—helping to provide more consistent control of symptoms. However, some people may not notice the benefits of STALEVO for a few days.

How is STALEVO taken?
Your healthcare professional will provide you with specific instructions on how to take STALEVO. If you have any questions or are uncertain about how much STALEVO to take, or when to take it, talk to your healthcare professional.

STALEVO is supplied as tablets in 3 strengths

STALEVO 50, containing 12.5 mg carbidopa, 50 mg levodopa, and 200 mg entacapone

STALEVO 100, containing 25 mg carbidopa, 100 mg levodopa, and 200 mg entacapone

STALEVO 150, containing 37.5 mg carbidopa, 150 mg levodopa, and 200 mg entacapone

Only 1 STALEVO tablet should be taken at each scheduled dose. No more than 8 tablets should be taken per day. STALEVO tablets should not be crushed or broken in half.