More specifically, opicapone is used in addition to the combination of levodopa and DOPA-decarboxylase inhibitors (for example, carbidopa or benserazide) in order to increase the activity of L-DOPA (or levodopa if you prefer).
Therefore, opicapone does not perform a direct therapeutic action, but increases the action of levodopa, the drug of choice in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Thanks to this activity, the use of opicapone allows the use of doses of L- DOPA lower and this turns out to be very useful in patients with end-of-dose fluctuations. After taking levodopa for long periods, in fact, there is an aggravation of symptoms which always occurs a little before taking the dose of Subsequent L-DOPA (known, in fact, as end-of-dose fluctuations) To overcome this problem, or at least try to limit it, it is possible to put into practice various strategies, such as: drug holiday (doing drug suspension cycles); delay as much as possible the start of treatment with levodopa; reduce the dose of L-DOPA administered. Precisely this last point is achievable by administering drugs that are able to enhance the activity of levodopa, such as, for example, opicapone.
In Italy, the active ingredient is available in a single medicinal product with the trade name Ongentys® that can be dispensed in pharmacies upon presentation of a medical prescription paid by the National Health System (SSN), since it is classified as a class A drug.
taken by the patient. How to do this will be clearly described by the doctor and determined on an individual basis for each patient.
In addition to what has been said so far, it is very important to know that patients on dopaminergic drug therapy can experience impulse control disorders (for example, pathological gambling, hypersexuality, compulsive shopping, binge eating, etc.). For this reason , patients being treated with opicapone should be monitored.
Another aspect that should not be underestimated is the appearance of anorexia, asthenia and weight loss. Should this occur within a relatively short period of time, a general medical evaluation including liver function should be considered.
), since an inhibition of most of the metabolic pathways of catecholamines can occur with the concomitant intake of opicapone. However, the use of opicapone with MAOIs used against Parkinson's disease (eg rasagiline, selegiline) is permitted.In any case, it is important to tell your doctor if you are taking, or have recently been taking, drugs or products of any kind - even if not listed above - including non-prescription drugs (SOP), over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, herbal and phytotherapeutic products and homeopathic products.
experiencing undesirable effects of different type and intensity, or not showing any at all.
Very common and common side effects
Among the undesirable effects that could most commonly occur during opicapone therapy, we find:
- Dyskinesia;
- Visual hallucinations;
- Abnormal dreams
- Insomnia;
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Drowsiness;
- Orthostatic hypotension;
- Constipation;
- Dry mouth
- He retched;
- Muscle spasms
- Increased blood levels of creatine phosphokinase.
Uncommon side effects
Among the undesirable effects that may occur less commonly during therapy with
opicapone, on the other hand, we remember:
- Decreased appetite;
- Hypertriglyceridemia;
- Auditory hallucinations;
- Sleep disturbances and nightmares;
- Dysgeusia;
- Hyperkinesia;
- Syncope;
- Dry eye
- Ear congestion;
- Hypertension or hypotension;
- Palpitations;
- Dyspnea;
- Abdominal distension and / or pain;
- Dyspepsia;
- Muscle twitching, musculoskeletal stiffness, pain in extremities;
- Reduction of body weight;
- Chrome plating;
- Nocturia.
