What is Ongenty?
Ongentys is a prescription medicine that inhibits the enzyme catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT). COMT plays a role in the breakdown of certain neurotransmitters like dopamine and epinephrine, as well as norepinephrine.
Ongentys can be used in conjunction with levodopa and carbidopa to treat the symptoms associated with "off" episodes (stiffness, muscle spasms, tremors, lack of muscle control) in patients with Parkinson's disease. It is not clear whether Ongentys is effective and safe for children.
Warnings
Do not take Ongentys if you've used an MAO inhibitor within the last 14 days, including isocarboxazid linezolid blue injections, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, and many others.
Avoid using Ongentys in the event of an organ that produces catecholamines, a class of hormones. The most common tumours are pheochromocytoma (a kind of cancer of the adrenal gland) or paraganglioma.
Before you take this drug
You shouldn't make use of ongentys in the event that you are sensitive to opicapone or if you suffer from a particular kind of tumour that produces hormones like:
- Pheochromocytoma (a tumour that is located in the adrenal gland) or
- Paraganglioma (tumour of neurones).
To ensure that ongentys is safe for you, inform your physician if you've previously had:
- A sleep disorder that can cause daytime sleepiness
- Narcolepsy or any other condition that can result in sudden sleepiness;
- Muscles that are not controlled;
- Extreme and intense urges to act upon an impulse (such as binge-eating, gambling, or compulsive shopping);
- Hallucinations, mental illness, or psychosis
- Liver disease or
- Kidney disease.
How to take Ongentys?
Adhere to your doctor's exact dosage instructions. Follow all instructions on the prescription label and review all medication guides and instructions sheets.
When you begin or stop taking Ongentys, your physician may require adjustments to the dose of any other medication you are taking to treat Parkinson's disease. Ongentys are usually taken prior to bedtime. Follow the dosing guidelines of your physician with care. Take Ongentys with an empty stomach. Don't eat for at least one hour prior to or for one hour after taking the medicine.
Your blood pressure could require regular checking. Ongentys can make you fall asleep during normal activities during the day like working, speaking, eating, or driving. It is possible to fall asleep abruptly, even after being alert. Consult your physician if you suffer from any issues during the day or are experiencing tiredness.
Do not alter your dosages or stop taking any medication without the advice of your doctor. Talk to your doctor if one of your medications appears to be causing problems. Place it in a cool, dry place free of heat and moisture.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Parkinson's Disease:
50 mg once orally, every day before sleeping
Use: As an alternative treatment to levodopa or carbidopa for patients suffering from Parkinson's disease (PD) suffering from "off" episodes
What happens if I miss the dose?
Do not miss the dose you missed, and then take the next dose later in the night. Don't take two doses at once.
What happens if I overdose?
For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Help Line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
Avoid driving and other hazardous activities until you are aware of the effects this medication will have on you. The feeling of dizziness or drowsiness may result in accidents, falls, or serious injuries.
Side effects of Ongentys
Take immediate medical care. If you are experiencing symptoms that indicate an allergy reaction, Ongentys: hives and breathing problems or swelling of your lips, face, tongue, throat, or face.
See your doctor right away in the event that you are suffering from:
- Feeling lightheaded, as if you've passed out;
- Hallucinations, confusion (hearing and seeing things that's not present);
- Anger, agitation, or strange thoughts or behaviours;
- Uncontrolled muscle movements within your facial musles (chewing or lip-smacking, frowning, tongue movements, blinking, eye movements)
- More severe tremors, stiffness, or muscle spasms.
There is a possibility that you will experience increased sexual cravings, unusual urges for gambling, and any other intense desires while taking this medicine. Discuss this with your doctor when it happens.
Common ongenty adverse reactions could include:
- Feeling lightheaded;
- Muscles that are not controlled;
- Unusual blood test results;
- Constipation or
- Weight loss.
If you stop using Ongentys, be aware of withdrawal symptoms such as stiff muscles, sweating, and a high fever, as well as confusion, rapid or irregular heartbeats, and tremors. You may also be feeling like you could faint.
This isn't a complete list of possible side effects, and others could happen. Contact your physician to seek medical advice on adverse effects. You can report any symptoms to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with other drug
Utilising Ongentys together with other medications that cause drowsiness can cause more harm. Consult your physician before taking opioid medication, a sleep pill, a muscle relaxer, or medication for an anxiety disorder or seizures.
Inform your doctor about all other medications, particularly:
- Dobutamine;
- Dopamine;
- Epinephrine, norepinephrine, or
This list isn't comprehensive. Other medications can interact with opicapone. This includes medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, vitamins, and herbal products. There are many possible interactions between drugs, which are listed here.
