Ongentys Details: Adverse Reactions, Dosage Guidelines, Application, and Additional Information
Ongentys, the brand-name prescription medication, is a vital treatment option for adults living with Parkinson's disease. The drug, containing the active ingredient opicapone, works by blocking the breakdown of levodopa in the body, helping the drug last longer and relieve symptoms of Parkinson's.
Parkinson's is a neurodegenerative disease that causes cells in the brain and spinal cord to die, leading to a lack of dopamine and resulting in symptoms such as tremor, stiff muscles, trouble balancing, changes in movement or speech, and difficulty walking, talking, or eating.
One of the key features of Ongentys is its ability to shorten the length of off periods in people taking a drug combination called levodopa/carbidopa. These off periods, characterised by a sudden return of Parkinson's symptoms, can be challenging to manage.
However, it's important to note that Ongentys should be taken according to the doctor's instructions, with the dose taken once a day, every day at bedtime. The drug should not be taken with food, and it's not known if Ongentys capsules are safe to crush, split, or chew.
Like any medication, Ongentys can cause side effects. Mild side effects may include constipation, weight loss, and dry mouth. More serious side effects could include high creatine levels, a possible sign of kidney problems, and the potential for unusual urges.
Another treatment option for Parkinson's disease is deep brain stimulation, a surgical procedure that involves placing a device under the skin to send electrical messages to specific parts of the brain.
Ongentys is not the only medication available for managing off periods. Other drugs include apomorphine (Apokyn), inhaled levodopa (Inbrija), istradefylline (Nourianz), safinamide (Xadago), carbidopa/levodopa extended release (Rytary), pramipexole (Mirapex), ropinirole (Requip), rotigotine (Neupro), entacapone (Comtan), tolcapone (Tasmar), rasagiline (Azilect), and selegiline (Emsam).
It's crucial to discuss the best treatment options with a healthcare provider, considering individual circumstances and potential side effects. For instance, Ongentys withdrawal and dependence can occur, and the best way to stop taking the drug is to slowly decrease the dose over time to minimise withdrawal side effects.
It's also worth noting that Ongentys is available only as a brand-name medication and not in generic form. This means the cost of the medication may be higher compared to generic alternatives.
In conclusion, Ongentys is a valuable treatment option for adults with Parkinson's disease, particularly for managing off periods. However, like any medication, it's important to understand the potential side effects and precautions, and to discuss the best treatment plan with a healthcare provider.
- The neurodegenerative disease, Parkinson's, causes a lack of dopamine due to the death of cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to symptoms like tremor and trouble walking.
- Ongentys, a prescription medication containing opicapone, is a vital treatment option for adults living with Parkinson's disease, helping to relieve symptoms and shorten off periods.
- Deep brain stimulation is another treatment option for Parkinson's, a surgical procedure involving placing a device under the skin to send electrical messages to specific parts of the brain.
- It's essential to discuss the best treatment options, including Ongentys, with a healthcare provider, considering individual circumstances, potential side effects, and cost; as Ongentys is only available as a brand-name medication.
