Worst Pills, Best Pills

An expert, independent second opinion on more than 1,800 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements

levodopa and carbidopa (DUOPA, PARCOPA, RYTARY, SINEMET, SINEMET CR)


DISEASE AND DRUG FAMILY INFORMATION

Search results below include Disease and Drug Family Information where your selected drug is a secondary subject of discussion.

Antipsychotic Drugs: Dangerously Overused
Antipsychotic drugs, also called neuroleptic drugs or major tranquilizers, are properly and successfully used to treat serious psychotic mental disorders, the most common of which is schizophrenia. In younger adults, an alarming number of those with schizophrenia who could and often have previously benefited from antipsychotic drugs are not receiving them. They are seen, among other places, on the streets and in homeless shelters. In older adults, the problem is not underuse but, rather, gross overuse by people who are not psychotic.

DRUG AND DIETARY SUPPLEMENT PROFILES

A comprehensive review of the safety and effectiveness of this drug. If the drug is not a Do Not Use product, information on adverse effects, drug interactions and how to use the medication are included.
Search results below include Drug and Dietary Supplement Profiles where your selected drug is a secondary subject of discussion.

tolcapone (TASMAR)
  • We list this drug as a Do Not Use drug because it causes liver failure.

WORST PILLS, BEST PILLS NEWSLETTER ARTICLES

Search results below include Worst Pills, Best Pills Newsletter Articles where your selected drug is a secondary subject of discussion.

Review of the Parkinson’s Disease Drug Apomorphine (APOKYN)
January 2019
Find out about the risks and benefits of apomorphine, an injectable medicine approved by the FDA for treatment of specific symptoms that occur in patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease.
Ropinirole: A Second-Choice Drug for Parkinson’s Disease
December 2016
In this article, we explore recent research showing that the older drug levodopa-carbidopa has a more favorable benefit-risk balance than ropinirole and other newer dopamine agonists for initial treatment of early Parkinson’s disease.
Drug for Parkinson’s Disease and Restless Leg Syndrome May Increase Heart Failure Risk
February 2013
MIRAPEX (pramipexole) is a drug frequently used for restless leg syndrome, for which there are other safer, effective nondrug treatments, as discussed in the article. It also is used for Parkinson's disease. A recent review has found that this drug can increase the risk of heart failure. Find out how to recognize early symptoms of heart failure.
Drug Mix-Ups
June 2011
This article lists 355 drugs with names that are often confused with similar-sounding drug names. Find out what you can do to prevent getting the wrong drug.
Drugmaker Removes Parkinson's Disease Medication from the Market; Drug Linked to Heart Valve Damage
June 2007
On March 29, 2007, the Parkinson’s disease drug pergolide (PERMAX) was withdrawn from the market. This follows the publication of two studies which show an increased risk of heart valve damage in patients taking pergolide compared to those not taking the drug. You should contact your health care professional immediately if you are taking pergolide to discuss other treatments. Do not discontinue taking pergolide abruptly. The dosage of the drug must be gradually decreased.
New Warning! Heart Valve Damage With the Parkinson’s Disease Drug Pergolide (PERMAX)
April 2003
On February 24, 2003, Eli Lilly and Company of Indianapolis informed healthcare professionals that the professional product labeling, or “package insert,” for pergolide (PERMAX) was being updated to include a warning about the possibility of heart valve damage with the drug.