DUOPA

The pharmacokinetics of carbidopa and levodopa with 16-hour intrajejunal infusion of DUOPA was evaluated in 18 patients with advanced Parkinson's disease who had been on DUOPA therapy for 30 days or longer. Patients remained on their individualized DUOPA doses. The plasma concentrations versus time profile for levodopa with DUOPA 16-hour intrajejunal infusion is presented in Figure 1 . Figure 1. Plasma Concentrations (mean ± standard deviation) versus Time Profile of Levodopa with DUOPA (levodop...

The efficacy of DUOPA was established in a randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, active-controlled, parallel group, 12-week study (Study 1) in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease who were levodopa-responsive and had persistent motor fluctuations while on treatment with oral immediate-release carbidopa-levodopa and other Parkinson's disease medications. Patients were eligible for participation in the studies if they were experiencing 3 hours or more of “Off” time on their current Parkinson's disease drug treatment and they demonstrated a clear responsiveness to treatment with levodopa....

The following serious adverse reactions are discussed below and elsewhere in labeling: Gastrointestinal and Gastrointestinal Procedure-Related Risks [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) ] Falling Asleep During Activities of Daily Living and Somnolence [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ) ] Orthostatic Hypotension [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 ) ] Hallucinations/Psychosis/Confusion [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 ) ] Impulse Control/Compulsive Behaviors [see Warnings and Precautions (...

DUOPA is contraindicated in patients who are currently taking a nonselective monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor (e.g., phenelzine and tranylcypromine) or have recently (within 2 weeks) taken a nonselective MAO inhibitor. Hypertension can occur if these drugs are used concurrently [see Drug Interactions ( 7.1 and 7.2 )] . DUOPA is contraindicated in patients taking nonselective monoamine oxidase (MA...

Gastrointestinal procedure-related complications may result in serious outcomes, such as need for surgery or death ( 5.1 ) May cause falling asleep during activities of daily living ( 5.2 ) Monitor patients for orthostatic hypotension, especially after starting DUOPA or increasing the dose ( 5.3 ) Hallucinations/Psychosis/Confusion: May respond to dose reduction in levodopa ( 5.4 ) Impulse Control Disorders: Consider dose reductions or stopping DUOPA ( 5.5 ) Monitor patients for depression and s...

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Selective MAO-B inhibitors: May cause orthostatic hypotension ( 7.1 ) Antihypertensive drugs: May cause symptomatic postural hypotension. Dosage adjustment of the antihypertensive drug may be needed ( 7.2 ) Dopamine D2 receptor antagonists, isoniazid, iron salts, and high-protein diet may reduce the effectiveness of DUOPA ( 7.3 , 7.4 , 7.5 ) 7.1 Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) Inhibito...