Stalevo - urine discoloration

[ramona]

Regarding the side effects of Stalevo - is the urine discoloration considered an acceptable side effect? I got the feeling it was, but mine is SO discolored that I can't help but think that is bad on the kidneys. My MDS did not say anything about having my kidney and liver function checked, but I have an appt with my GP and am going to ask him to do it, anyway. (I think it is the entacapone that causes the discoloration.)

Thanks,
Ramona

[nancy]

Ramona, my mother's urine has been discolored since she started stalevo 5 months ago. Her MDS said she didn't need to have liver and kidney function tests done, however I had her PCP check them not too long ago. I will say she seems to move better with the stalevo but had to decrease it to twice a day since she has had abdominal pain since she started it. At this point I think she may have to stop it because of the significant pain she has every day. Hope it works for you.
Nancy

[CarolynS]

I have been on both Comtan and Stalevo. Both have discoloration as a side effect...can be very dark too. Stalevo also has a side effect of abdominal pain, which is why I stopped taking it earlier this year.

http://www.parkinson.org/site/pp.asp?c=9dJFJLPwB&b=99906
Side effects of Comtan (and Stalevo) that are different from levodopa/carbidopa include discoloration of urine and diarrhea. Depending on the severity of the diarrhea Comtan may have to be discontinued. For full prescribing information visit WWW.STALEVO.COM or call 1 866 STALEVO or 1 8666 782 5386

http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic3/stalevo_ad.htm
Abdominal pain and distress, fatigue.

http://www.stalevo.com/info/tools/product.jsp?usertrack.filter_applied=true&NovaId=1178761707192199674
The most common side effects of STALEVO are unwanted or uncontrollable movements (known as dyskinesia), nausea, diarrhea, excessive muscle movements (known as hyperkinesia), harmless discoloration of urine, sweat and/or saliva, diminished or slow movements (known as hypokinesia), abdominal pain, dizziness, constipation, fatigue, pain, and hallucinations. Some of the more serious side effects may include severe diarrhea, severe dyskinesia, hallucinations, other mental disturbances, orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure), rhabdomyolysis (a muscle disease) and symptoms resembling neuroleptic malignant syndrome (a condition characterized by fever and muscle stiffness).

Tell your healthcare professional if you have bothersome side effects. He or she can make adjustments that may reduce these effects. You should not quickly lower your STALEVO dose, or suddenly stop it altogether.

[october]

That is the only side effect I do have. My urine is a deep yellow, but no abdominal pain. I was told I might have discoloration, so wasn't worried about it. Take care.

[ramona]

Thanks a bunch! I didn't think it was an issue, but it sure is odd to see. I have dystonic movements and Stalevo is the only medication that has ever helped me. I think it will be a while before my MDS settles on a diagnosis, but he is a specialist in PD so I am confident that he will recognize it if that is what I have.

Blessings
Ramona

[nancy]

Carolyn, how did your abdominal pain present related to the stalevo. MY mother has been on it for several months and complains of intermittant severe upper abd.pain. Her dose was decreased from three times a day to two and then she was taken off it for a week but her symptoms continued.
Has had a negative cat scan and gall bladder scans. I still think it may be the stalevo but with being off it for a week and still having symptoms, not sure anymore. How long did it take for your abdominal pains to disappear after stopping the stalevo? She still is taking sinemet three times a day and a long acting sinemet at night. Any help would be appreciated.
Nancy