TASMAR

Tasmar tablets film coated 100mg Why do I need this medicine? Tolcapone is used together with other medicines to treat Parkinson's Disease. It is used to improve the medicinal effect of another Parkinson's Disease medicine called levodopa.

Tolcapone cannot cure Parkinson's Disease, but it can improve the quality of life for people who have Parkinson's Disease.

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

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

You may take Tolcapone with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.

The first Tolcapone dose of the day should be taken at the same time as levodopa.
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. Tolcapone must be taken regularly for it to be effective. If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know. Can I take this with other medicines? Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, especially those listed here:

- mood medicines, antidepressants or sleeping pills
- blood pressure or heart medicines
- a blood-thinning medicine called warfarin
- iron pills

If you are taking iron pills, do not take them together with Tolcapone. Take them at least 2-3 hours before or after you have taken Tolcapone.

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 Tolcapone.

Let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding.

Alert your doctor if you have an adrenal gland tumour called phaeochromocytoma. What should I take note of while taking this medicine? Alert your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, or if you frequently consume large amounts of alcohol.

For as long as you are taking Tolcapone, you will need to have regular blood tests to check your body's response to the medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have blood tests.

If you are going for an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking Tolcapone.
Are there any restrictions on the type of food I can take? Avoid alcohol.

TOLCAPONE

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

Tolcapone may also cause nausea, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, stomach pain, tiredness, dry mouth, hallucinations or difficulty controlling your movements. These side effects are common especially when you have just started taking Tolcapone. Let your doctor know if these side effects get worse or if they do not go away.

Tolcapone may also turn your urine a very dark yellow in colour. This is harmless, do not be alarmed.

Some side effects may be serious, although they are not common. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of these side effects:

- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- pain near the stomach area
- nausea or tiredness that is severe or does not go away
- itchy skin