Carbidopa-Levodopa (Sinemet) Tips from Pharmacists

• Carbidopa-levodopa can make you very sleepy. Do not drive or do any other potentially dangerous activities until you know how this medicine affects you.

• Taking the medicine with food can help to reduce gastrointestinal side effects like stomach upset. However, avoid taking it with high-fat or high-protein foods as this can affect the absorption of the medicine and lead to motor fluctuations.

• Supplements containing iron salts can interfere with the absorption of carbidopa-levodopa. If you are taking iron pills or vitamins containing iron, take them away from your Parkinson’s disease medicine.