Listfriends-- last week someone asked if Entacapone had been approved yet
by the FDA. I posed this question to the " Ask An Expert " section of the
NetWellness website, where PD queries are answered by Peter's neuro,
Dr.Dalvi.: Here is the question, and his answer:
Question.
I read that a new drug, Entacapone, has now been approved
by FDA. What would be the advantage over the present PD
drugs? Can it be taken with Sinemet in later stages of PD?
Answer:
I have not yet received official word regarding its
availability in pharmacies. Entacapone like
Tasmar(tolcapone)inhibits the COMT enzyme increasing the
duration of activity of Sinemet. Unlike tasmar it is not yet
associated with the risk of liver failure, but long term
response remains to be determined. Unlike dopamine
agonists, it cannot be taken by itself, only as an adjunct to
Sinemet.
Arif Dalvi, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Department of Neurology
College of Medicine
University of Cincinnati PDlist
Camilla Flintermann, CG for Peter 81/70/55
Oxford, Ohio
http://www.newcountry.nu/pd/members/camilla/one.htm
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