Prolopa (Levodopa/Benserazide)

Do’s

• The dosage of Prolopa is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate dose for you. Follow their instructions carefully.
• Prolopa capsules should be swallowed whole and should not be opened or dissolved in liquid. Take this medication with food or a small snack, such as crackers or biscuits, to reduce stomach upset.
• If you are taking iron supplements or products containing iron, such as multivitamins with minerals, separate your dose of Prolopa by as many hours as possible from these iron-containing products. This is because iron can reduce the absorption of Prolopa by the body. Consult your healthcare provider for more details.
• Some patients may experience a "wearing-off" effect, where symptoms worsen before the next dose is due. An "on-off" effect, characterized by sudden short periods of stiffness, may also occur. If you experience these effects, contact your healthcare provider for possible dose adjustments that may help alleviate these symptoms.
• Use Prolopa regularly to get the most benefit from it. Take the medication at the same times each day to help you remember.
• If your condition does not improve or worsens, inform your healthcare provider.

Don’ts

• Avoid a high-protein diet while taking Prolopa, as protein can decrease the absorption of levodopa. However, if your healthcare provider advises otherwise, follow their instructions.
• Do not stop taking Prolopa without consulting your healthcare provider. Suddenly stopping the medication can worsen certain conditions and may lead to withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, depression, confusion, fever, and muscle stiffness. To prevent withdrawal symptoms, your healthcare provider may gradually lower your dose if you need to stop taking the medication.

• Gastrointestinal effects, such as diarrhea or constipation
• Nausea and vomiting 
• Cardiac arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms)

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects, and individual experiences may vary. If you have any concerns about the side effects of Prolopa or if you are experiencing any unusual symptoms, consult your healthcare provider for guidance.

Regular assessments of cardiovascular, hepatic, hematopoietic, and renal function should be performed in all patients during extended therapy with Prolopa.

Patients with a history of convulsive disorders should be treated cautiously if Prolopa is incorporated into their regimen.

If concomitant administration of psychoactive drugs is necessary, they should be administered with great caution. Patients should be carefully observed for unusual untoward drug effects.

If general anesthesia is required, Prolopa can be discontinued the night before surgery, and therapy can be recommended as soon as the patient is able to receive oral medication.

People taking Prolopa have reported episodes of suddenly falling asleep, with no warning, while engaged in normal daily activities. This can happen at any time while taking the medication. The reason for this effect is not known, but Parkinson's disease often causes changes in the quality and pattern of normal sleep.

Discuss these warnings and precautions with your healthcare professional to ensure the safe and effective use of Prolopa.