SINEMET CR

Sinemet cr tablets Why do I need this medicine? This medicine contains Levodopa and Carbidopa. These 2 medicines are used together to treat Parkinson's Disease.

This medicine does not cure Parkinson's Disease but it can improve the quality of life for people who have the disease.

How do I take this medicine? Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

You may need to take this medicine for some time before the full benefits can be felt. Continue taking it even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by your doctor. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly as this could worsen your condition.

Take this with food. Try to take this at the same time each day. What should I do if I have forgotten to take this medicine? Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

Remember to take your medicine regularly. This must be taken regularly for it to be effective. If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor or pharmacist know. Can I take this with other medicines? Do not take this medicine if you are taking or have ever taken a type of antidepressant called a MAOI inhibitor, such as selegiline, phenelzine or trancylpromine in the last 14 days. Alert your doctor if you have ever taken any antidepressants.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, especially those listed here:

- mood medicines, antidepressants or sleeping pills
- cough, cold or allergy medicines which contain dextromethorphan
- vitamin supplements which contain vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) or iron
- antacids or metoclopramide (stomach medicines)
- methyldopa (high blood pressure medicine)
- phenytoin (epilepsy medicine)
- linezolid (an antibiotic)

Always inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription. How should I store this medicine? Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.

When should I not use this medicine? Alert your doctor if you are pregnant or become pregnant while being treated with this medicine.

Alert your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

Alert your doctor if you have a history of skin cancer or any skin disease.

Alert your doctor if you are taking or have ever taken a type of antidepressant called a MAOI inhibitor, such as selegiline, phenelzine or trancylpromine, especially in the last 14 days. What should I take note of while using this medicine? Alert your doctor if you suffer from lung, heart or kidney disease, epilepsy (seizures or fits), glaucoma, diabetes, a history of stomach ulcers or mental illness.

If you are going for an operation, including minor operations and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine.

If you are diabetic, this medicine may interfere with results of urine tests for sugar and ketones. Discuss with your doctor how you should monitor your urine tests while taking this medicine. Are there any restrictions on the type of food I can take? Avoid alcohol.

Avoid taking too much food which contains vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) such as liver, fish, whole grain cereals and beans. Too much vitamin B6 may work against the effects of this medicine. Ask your doctor about the type of foods you need to avoid.

LEVODOPA CARBIDOPA

What side effects could I experience? This medicine may cause dizziness. If you feel dizzy, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.

This medicine may cause your blood pressure to fall suddenly when you get up from a sitting or lying down position. To minimise this problem, stand up slowly.

This medicine may cause your urine, saliva and sweat to change to a darker colour. This is to be expected, do not be alarmed.

This medicine may also cause nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, confusion, urinary difficulties, hallucinations or difficulty controlling your movements. These side effects are common especially when you have just started taking this medicine. Let your doctor know if these side effects get worse or if they do not go away.

Other side effects are not common but may be more serious. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience fast or irregular heartbeat, or frequent fainting spells.