How should I take carbidopa and levodopa?
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor will occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
You will need a surgical procedure to create your stoma. A special tube called a "PEG-J" tube, will be placed through the stoma and into your small intestine. This tube is attached to an infusion pump that will deliver Duopa into your body.
Duopa comes in a plastic cassette that is attached to the infusion pump. Your care provider will program the pump and show you how to use it. Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Duopa is infused over a 16-hour period to help keep a steady amount of the drug in your body at all times. The infusion pump also allows extra doses if needed to reduce "off time" symptoms.
After the 16 hours, you may disconnect the pump and take a night-time dose of oral carbidopa and levodopa (tablets). You may also need to take the oral medicine if your pump is disconnected during the day for longer than 2 hours.
Your stoma and tube will need special care and cleaning. You must watch for signs of infection (redness, warmth, swelling). You must also keep the tube from getting kinked to assure that the medicine flows freely through it.
Do not stop using the medicine or change your dose without your doctor's advice.
This medicine can cause unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using carbidopa and levodopa.
Each single-use Duopa cassette is for one 16-hour use. Throw away after one use.
Store cassettes in their original carton in the refrigerator, do not freeze.
Take a cassette out of the refrigerator 20 minutes before using it, to allow it to reach room temperature. Protect the cassette from light. Do not use the cold cassette right after taking it out of the refrigerator.