Opicapone

Generic name: opicapone [ oh-PIK-a-pone ]
Brand name: Ongentys
Dosage form: oral capsule (25 mg; 50 mg)
Drug class: Dopaminergic antiparkinsonism agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jul 24, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is opicapone?

Opicapone is used together with carbidopa and levodopa to treat symptoms of "off" episodes (stiffness, tremors, muscle spasms, poor muscle control) in people with Parkinson's disease.

Opicapone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Opicapone side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Opicapone may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

• confusion, hallucinations (hearing or seeing something that is not there);

• aggression, agitation, unusual thoughts or behavior;

• uncontrolled muscle movements in your face (chewing, lip smacking, frowning, tongue movement, blinking or eye movement); or

• worsening tremors, stiffness, or muscle spasms.

You may have increased sexual urges, unusual urges to gamble, or other intense urges while taking opicapone. Talk with your doctor if this occurs.

Common side effects of opicapone may include:

• feeling light-headed;

• uncontrolled muscle movement;

• abnormal blood tests;

• constipation; or

• weight loss.

When you stop taking opicapone, watch for withdrawal symptoms such as: stiff muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, or feeling like you might pass out.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use opicapone if you are allergic to it, or if you have a certain type of tumor that secretes hormones, such as:

• pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal gland); or

• paraganglioma (tumor of the nerve cells).

Do not use opicapone if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• a sleep disorder that causes daytime sleepiness;

• narcolepsy or other conditions that cause sudden sleepiness;

• uncontrolled muscle movements;

• unusual and intense urges to act on impulse (such as gambling, binge-eating, or compulsive shopping);

• mental illness, hallucinations, or psychosis;

• liver disease; or

• kidney disease.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How should I take opicapone?

When you start or stop taking opicapone, your doctor may need to adjust the doses of any other medicines you take for Parkinson's disease.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Opicapone is usually taken at bedtime, on an empty stomach.

Do not eat for at least 1 hour before or 1 hour after taking opicapone.

Your blood pressure may need to be checked often.

Opicapone may cause you to fall asleep during normal daytime activities such as working, talking, eating, or driving. You may fall asleep suddenly, even after feeling alert. Tell your doctor if you have any problems with daytime sleepiness or drowsiness.

Do not change your doses or stop using any of your medicines without your doctor's advice. Tell your doctor if any of your medicines seem to stop working.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Opicapone dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Parkinson's Disease:

50 mg orally once a day at bedtime

Use: As adjunctive treatment to levodopa/carbidopa in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) experiencing "off" episodes

What happens if I miss a dose?

Skip the missed dose and use your next dose the following night. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking opicapone?

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how opicapone will affect you. Dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries.

What other drugs will affect opicapone?

Using opicapone with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• dobutamine;

• dopamine;

• epinephrine, norepinephrine; or

• isoproterenol.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect opicapone, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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