Ongentys (Opicapone)

Description

Ongentys (opicapone) is used with levodopa/carbidopa to treat "off" episodes in patients with Parkinson's Disease.

Directions

When you receive your Ongentys prescription, be sure to follow the instructions that come with it. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about any questions or concerns you may have.

Ongentys is supplied in oral capsules of 25 mg and 50 mg strengths.

Recommended dose: Take 50 mg by mouth one time a day at bedtime. Do not eat food for at least 1 hour before and 1 hour after taking Ongentys. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose if you have liver problems. Ongentys should be avoided if you have severe liver problems.

Ingredients

Opicapone, a selective and reversible catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitor, is the active ingredient contained in each Ongentys capsule.

Contraindications

Avoid taking Ongentys with non-selective monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors. If you are not sure whether or not you take MAO inhibitors, ask your doctor.

Avoid taking Ongentys if you have ever had pheochromocytoma, paraganglioma, or other catecholamine-secreting tumors.

Cautions

• Before you start taking Ongentys, inform your doctor:
• Of all the prescription and nonprescription medications you take. These include vitamins and herbal supplements.
• Of your allergies.
• Of your medical conditions.
• Of your pregnancy status. Ongentys may cause harm to an unborn baby.
• Of your breastfeeding status. It has not been determined whether or not Ongentys can be passed into breast milk. 
• If you have end-stage kidney disease, avoid taking Ongentys.
• An elevated heart rate, arrhythmias, and major blood pressure changes can occur with the use of Ongentys. If you experience any of these effects, get medical care immediately. 
• Drowsiness or falling asleep can occur, even during the daytime, with the use of Ongentys. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how the medication affects you.
• Low blood pressure can occur with the use of Ongentys. You should monitor your blood pressure during treatment with Ongentys.
• Dyskinesia, or sudden involuntary movements, may occur or worsen with the use of Ongentys. If this occurs, contact your doctor immediately.
• Hallucinations or psychosis can occur with the use of Ongentys. If you experience these effects, contact your doctor immediately.
• Impulsive behaviors or intense and uncontrollable urges to gamble, spend money, binge eat, and/or other urges can occur with the use of Ongentys. If you experience any of these effects, contact your doctor immediately.
• Withdrawal-emergent hyperpyrexia and confusion with symptoms that can include a fever, stiff muscles, altered mental status, and autonomic instability may occur if Ongentys is suddenly stopped or the dose is suddenly decreased. Ongentys doses should be tapered. If being discontinued, Ongentys should be gradually withdrawn.

Side Effects

The most common side effects of Ongentys include constipation, low blood pressure, elevated blood creatine kinase, weight loss, and sudden and involuntary movements. These are not all the possible side effects of Ongentys. Contact your doctor right immediately if you experience side effects that concern you or persist.

Reference:

1. Ongentys (opicapone) capsules, for oral use. San Diego, CA: Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.; 2020.

About Dr. Savannah Muncy (Page Author)

Dr. Muncy (PharmD) studied science and education as an undergraduate before attending the Appalachian College of Pharmacy where she completed her PharmD in three years. She is currently using her pharmacy and healthcare expertise to write medical content for clients all around the world. She is focused on delivering the most current, accurate, and engaging information to healthcare professionals and patients. Read More....