Ongentys is a brand-name prescription medication used to treat Parkinson’s disease. It’s FDA-approved for use in adults who have a sudden return of Parkinson’s symptoms while taking a drug combination called levodopa/carbidopa (Sinemet, Rytary, Duopa).

This return of symptoms is called an “off period.” It happens when the effects of levodopa/carbidopa wear off or the drug isn’t working as it should.

Ongentys is taken once a day, every day to help shorten the length of your off period of Parkinson’s disease. It can help relieve symptoms of Parkinson’s. Ongentys comes as a capsule that’s taken by mouth.

Ongentys contains the active drug opicapone. It belongs to a class of medications called catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitors. (A class of medications is a group of drugs that work in a similar way.)

FDA approval

Ongentys was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in April 2020. It’s approved to treat off periods of Parkinson’s disease.

Effectiveness

In clinical trials, Ongentys was shown to be effective for treating off periods of Parkinson’s. To learn more, see the “Ongentys for Parkinson’s disease” section.

Ongentys is available only as a brand-name medication. It’s not currently available in generic form.

A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. Generics usually cost less than brand-name drugs.

Ongentys contains the active drug opicapone.

Ongentys can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while taking Ongentys. These lists don’t include all possible side effects.

For more information on the possible side effects of Ongentys, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to deal with any side effects that may be bothersome.

Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracks side effects of drugs it has approved. If you would like to report to the FDA a side effect you’ve had with Ongentys, you can do so through MedWatch.

Mild side effects

Mild side effects of Ongentys can include:*

Most of these side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. But if they become more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

* This is a partial list of mild side effects from Ongentys. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or view the prescribing information for Ongentys.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Ongentys aren’t common, but they can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 or your local emergency phone number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Serious side effects and their symptoms can include:

  • High creatine levels, which could be a sign of kidney problems. Symptoms can include:
    • swelling in your feet or legs
    • shortness of breath
    • urinating less than usual
  • Withdrawal side effects when stopping Ongentys. Symptoms can include:
    • confusion
    • fever
    • dizziness or fainting

Other serious side effects are explained in more detail below in “Side effect details.” These include:

Side effect details

You may wonder how often certain side effects occur with this drug. Here’s some detail on certain side effects this drug may cause.

Allergic reaction

As with most drugs, some people can have an allergic reaction after taking Ongentys. Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:

  • skin rash
  • itchiness
  • flushing (warmth and redness in your skin)

A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include:

  • swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
  • swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat
  • trouble breathing

It’s not known how many people in clinical trials had an allergic reaction. Call your doctor right away if you have a severe allergic reaction to Ongentys. Call 911 or your local emergency phone number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Low blood pressure

Some people may experience low blood pressure while taking Ongentys. In some cases, low blood pressure may cause you to faint. In clinical trials:

  • 5% of people taking Ongentys had low blood pressure or fainted while taking the drug
  • 1% of people taking a placebo (a treatment with no active drug) had low blood pressure or fainted

Your doctor will monitor your blood pressure during your Ongentys treatment. You should also watch for symptoms of low blood pressure, such as feeling dizzy. If you develop low blood pressure, talk with your doctor right away. They may lower your dose of Ongentys or switch you to another medication.

Falling asleep during normal activities

Ongentys may cause some people to fall asleep during normal daily activities, such as talking or eating. In some cases, people have fallen asleep in dangerous situations, such as when they’re driving. Car accidents have been reported in people taking Ongentys due to falling asleep while driving.

It’s not known how often falling asleep during normal activities occurred in people taking Ongentys.

You may have a higher risk of falling asleep during normal activities if you’re also taking other drugs that make you sleepy. Your risk may also be higher if you have a sleep disorder.

Talk with your doctor if you feel very drowsy or fall asleep much easier than usual while taking Ongentys. They may lower your dose of your other medications that make you sleepy or have you stop taking Ongentys. If you do continue taking Ongentys, your doctor may recommend that you avoid dangerous activities, such as driving, in case you get drowsy or fall asleep.

Movement disorder

Ongentys use could cause some people to develop a movement disorder called dyskinesia. With dyskinesia, you have uncontrollable, abnormal movements. Examples of these movements include bobbing your head, rocking, or fidgeting.

In clinical studies:

  • 20% of people taking Ongentys had dyskinesia
  • 6% of people taking a placebo had dyskinesia

These studies also showed that dyskinesia is the main reason people stopped taking Ongentys.

If you develop dyskinesia, your doctor may lower your dose of levodopa/carbidopa. (Ongentys is always taken with the drug combination levodopa/carbidopa.) If you already have dyskinesia, see the “Ongentys precautions” section for more information.

Hallucinations and psychosis

People taking Ongentys may hallucinate during their treatment. This includes hearing or seeing things that aren’t really there.

In clinical trials:

  • 3% of people taking Ongentys had hallucinations
  • 1% of people taking a placebo had hallucinations

Some people taking Ongentys also experienced psychosis (loss of touch with reality). This includes symptoms such as feeling agitated or acting aggressively. People experiencing psychosis may also have delusions (firmly believing something that’s not true).

In clinical trials, symptoms of psychosis occurred in 1% of people taking Ongentys. In comparison, no one taking a placebo experienced symptoms of psychosis.

Talk with your doctor if you develop hallucinations or changes in your mood, such as agitation or aggression. They may recommend that you switch from Ongentys to another medication.

If you have a history of mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, see the “Hallucinations or psychosis” information in the “Ongentys precautions” section.

Unusual urges

Taking Ongentys may make some people more willing to do things they usually wouldn’t do.

It may be harder than normal to control your urges while taking Ongentys. Examples of these unusual urges may include:

  • gambling
  • sex
  • binge eating
  • spending money

In clinical trials, 1% of people taking Ongentys had trouble controlling their urges. In comparison, no one taking a placebo (a treatment with no active drug) had trouble controlling their urges.

During your Ongentys treatment, your doctor may monitor you for signs of being unable to control your urges. They may also ask your family members or caregivers to watch for changes in your behavior.

Talk with your doctor about any unusual urges you’re struggling to control while taking Ongentys. If you do develop this side effect, your doctor may lower your dose of Ongentys or have you stop taking it.

If you have a history of unusual behaviors or urges, see the “Ongentys precautions” section to learn more.

The Ongentys dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on other medical conditions that you may have. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Drug forms and strengths

Ongentys comes as a capsule that’s taken by mouth. It’s available in two strengths: 25 mg and 50 mg.

Dosage for Parkinson’s disease

In most cases, you’ll take 50 mg of Ongentys once a day, every day at bedtime to treat your off periods of Parkinson’s disease. You shouldn’t eat food 1 hour before or 1 hour after your dose of Ongentys.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of Ongentys, just skip that dose and take your next dose at bedtime the next day. Do not take two doses of Ongentys at once to make up for the missed dose. This could raise your risk for serious side effects.

To help make sure you don’t miss a dose, try setting a reminder on your phone. A medication timer may be useful, too.

Will I need to use this drug long term?

Ongentys is meant to be used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Ongentys is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Ongentys to treat certain conditions. Ongentys is FDA-approved to treat off periods of Parkinson’s disease in adults.

Ongentys is used in adults who have a sudden return of Parkinson’s symptoms while taking a drug combination called levodopa/carbidopa (Sinemet, Rytary, Duopa). This return of symptoms is called an off period. It happens when levodopa/carbidopa’s effects wear off or the drug isn’t working as it should.

With Parkinson’s disease, you don’t have enough of a hormone called dopamine in your brain. Dopamine sends signals throughout your nerve cells and helps them communicate with each other. People with Parkinson’s may experience symptoms such as:

  • tremor (uncontrollable shaking) in the hands or feet
  • stiff muscles
  • trouble balancing
  • changes in movement or speech, such as slow movements or trouble speaking

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive condition, which means it gets worse over time.

As your disease progresses, your symptoms may get worse. You may have trouble walking, talking, or eating. In some cases, Parkinson’s may be genetic. However, in most people with the condition, there is no known cause.

Effectiveness for Parkinson’s disease

In clinical studies, Ongentys was shown to be an effective medication to treat off episodes of Parkinson’s disease. In these studies:

  • people who took Ongentys had their off periods shortened by an average of 1.95 to 1.98 hours
  • people who took a placebo (a treatment with no active drug) had their off periods shortened by an average of 0.93 to 1.07 hours

The researchers also looked at how long “on periods” lasted with either Ongentys or a placebo. On periods are when you don’t have Parkinson’s symptoms, such as dyskinesia (uncontrolled or sudden body movements). In the studies:

  • people who took Ongentys had their on periods increased by an average of 1.43 to 1.84 hours
  • people who took a placebo had their on periods increased by an average of 0.75 to 0.80 hours

Ongentys is approved to treat off periods of Parkinson’s disease in adults. It’s used in people who are also taking levodopa/carbidopa (Sinemet, Rytary, Duopa).

Levodopa/carbidopa is a drug that helps relieve your Parkinson’s symptoms. However, right before your next dose of levodopa/carbidopa, your symptoms of Parkinson’s may start to come back. This is because you have only a small amount of levodopa/carbidopa left in your body.

This return of symptoms is called an off period. Ongentys is taken once a day, every day at bedtime to help shorten the length of your off period of Parkinson’s. This can help relieve symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

You should avoid drinking alcohol or limit how much you drink during your Ongentys treatment. Alcohol can lower your blood pressure and make you drowsy or dizzy. Ongentys can also cause these side effects. Therefore, drinking alcohol during your Ongentys treatment may cause these side effects to become worse.

Ongentys is always taken along with levodopa/carbidopa (Sinemet, Rytary, Duopa). Levodopa/carbidopa may cause side effects such as trouble breathing and low blood pressure. Alcohol can also cause these side effects, so drinking alcohol while taking levodopa/carbidopa may make these side effects worse.

If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor before starting Ongentys. Your doctor may recommend avoiding alcohol altogether.

Ongentys can interact with several other medications. Different interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some interactions can interfere with how well a drug works. Other interactions can increase side effects or make them more severe.

Ongentys and other medications

Below is a list of medications that can interact with Ongentys. This list doesn’t contain all drugs that may interact with Ongentys.

Before taking Ongentys, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Ongentys and certain depression drugs

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are drugs used to treat depression. People taking a certain type of these drugs, called nonselective MAOIs, shouldn’t take Ongentys. Taking these drugs together may cause an increase of certain hormones in your brain. Examples of these hormones include dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine.

Taking Ongentys with nonselective MAOIs may lead to irregular heartbeat, fast heart rate, and an increase or decrease in blood pressure.

Examples of nonselective MAOIs that should not be taken with Ongentys include:

  • phenelzine (Nardil)
  • isocarboxazid (Marplan)
  • tranylcypromine (Parnate)

If you’re currently taking an MAOI, talk with your doctor about your treatment options. They may suggest an alternative to Ongentys. Or your doctor may switch you to a selective MAO-B inhibitor, which can be used with Ongentys.

Ongentys and drugs broken down by COMT

Ongentys may interact with drugs that are broken down by a chemical called catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT). An example of this type of drug is epinephrine (EpiPen).

Taking these drugs with Ongentys may cause irregular heartbeat, fast heart rate, and an increase or decrease in blood pressure. If you have to use a drug that’s broken down by COMT during your Ongentys treatment, your doctor will monitor you for any issues. They’ll regularly check your heart rate and blood pressure, as well as your heart rhythm.

Talk with your doctor about any medications you’re taking with Ongentys. They can determine if your medications may interact with Ongentys.

Ongentys and herbs and supplements

There aren’t any herbs or supplements that have been specifically reported to interact with Ongentys. However, you should still check with your doctor or pharmacist before using any of these products while taking Ongentys.

Ongentys and foods

There aren’t any foods that have been specifically reported to interact with Ongentys. If you have any questions about eating certain foods with Ongentys, talk with your doctor.

It’s important to note that you should avoid eating food at least 1 hour before and 1 hour after taking Ongentys. This is because taking Ongentys with food lowers the amount of the drug in your body, which may make it less effective.

As with all medications, the cost of Ongentys can vary. To learn about the cost of Ongentys, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance company. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.

You may have to get Ongentys at a specialty pharmacy. This type of pharmacy is authorized to carry specialty medications. These are drugs that may be expensive or may require help from healthcare professionals to be used safely and effectively.

Before approving coverage for Ongentys, your insurance company may require you to get prior authorization. This means that your doctor and insurance company will need to communicate about your prescription before the insurance company will cover the drug. The insurance company will review the prior authorization request and decide if the drug will be covered.

If you’re not sure if you’ll need to get prior authorization for Ongentys, contact your insurance company.

Financial and insurance assistance

If you need financial support to pay for Ongentys, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, reach out to your insurance company. They can help you and tell you if there are any financial assistance options available.

Generic version

Ongentys isn’t available in a generic form. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. Generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

Other drugs are available that can treat Parkinson’s disease. Some may be a better fit for you than others. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to Ongentys, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that may work well for you.

Note: Some of the drugs listed here are used off-label to treat this specific condition. Off-label use is when a drug that’s approved to treat one condition is used to treat a different condition.

Alternatives for Parkinson’s disease

Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat off periods of Parkinson’s disease include:

  • apomorphine (Apokyn)
  • inhaled levodopa (Inbrija)
  • istradefylline (Nourianz)
  • safinamide (Xadago)

Examples of drugs that may be used to treat Parkinson’s disease include:

  • carbidopa/levodopa extended release (Rytary)
  • pramipexole (Mirapex)
  • ropinirole (Requip)
  • rotigotine (Neupro)
  • entacapone (Comtan)
  • tolcapone (Tasmar)
  • rasagiline (Azilect)
  • selegiline (Emsam)

Another treatment option for Parkinson’s disease is deep brain stimulation. This involves surgery to place a device under your skin that sends electrical messages to specific parts of your brain. Deep brain stimulation can block abnormal brain signals associated with Parkinson’s disease and other neurological conditions. Talk with your doctor if you’re interested in learning more about this treatment.

You may wonder how Ongentys compares with other medications that are prescribed for similar uses. Here we look at how Ongentys and Apokyn are alike and different.

Ingredients

The active ingredient in Ongentys is opicapone. The active drug in Apokyn is apomorphine.

Uses

Both Ongentys and Apokyn are FDA-approved for use in adults with Parkinson’s disease. They’re used in people who have a sudden return of symptoms while taking other drugs to treat Parkinson’s. This return of symptoms is called an off period.

Ongentys comes as a capsule that’s taken by mouth once a day at bedtime. Apokyn comes as a solution that’s given as a subcutaneous injection (under the skin). It’s used as needed for off periods of Parkinson’s disease.

Side effects and risks

Ongentys and Apokyn have some similar side effects and others that vary. Below are examples of these side effects.

Mild side effects

These lists contain up to 10 of the most common mild side effects that can occur with Ongentys, with Apokyn, or with both drugs (when taken individually).

  • Can occur with Ongentys:
    • constipation
    • weight loss
  • Can occur with Apokyn:
    • runny nose
    • nausea or vomiting
    • swelling of arms or legs
  • Can occur with both Ongentys and Apokyn:
    • dizziness

Serious side effects

These lists contain examples of serious side effects that can occur with Ongentys, with Apokyn, or with both drugs (when taken individually).

Effectiveness

These drugs haven’t been directly compared in clinical studies. However, studies have found both Ongentys and Apokyn to be effective for treating off periods of Parkinson’s disease.

Costs

To compare prices for Ongentys and Apokyn, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance company. The actual price you’ll pay for either drug depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.

Ongentys and Apokyn are both brand-name drugs. There are currently no generic forms of either drug. Brand-name medications usually cost more than generics.

Like Apokyn (above), the drug Nourianz has uses similar to those of Ongentys. Here’s a comparison of how Ongentys and Nourianz are alike and different.

Ingredients

The active ingredient in Ongentys is opicapone. The active drug in Nourianz is istradefylline.

Uses

Ongentys and Nourianz are both FDA-approved for use in adults with Parkinson’s disease. They’re used in people who have a sudden return of Parkinson’s symptoms while taking levodopa/carbidopa (Sinemet, Rytary, Duopa). This return of symptoms is called an off period.

Drug forms and administration

Ongentys comes as a capsule that’s taken by mouth once a day at bedtime. Nourianz comes as a tablet that’s taken once a day by mouth. It can be taken any time of day.

Side effects and risks

Ongentys and Nourianz have some similar side effects and others that vary. Below are examples of these side effects.

Mild side effects

These lists contain up to 10 of the most common mild side effects that can occur with Ongentys, with Nourianz, or with both drugs (when taken individually).

  • Can occur with Ongentys:
    • weight loss
  • Can occur with Nourianz:
    • nausea
  • Can occur with both Ongentys and Nourianz:
    • dizziness
    • constipation

Serious side effects

These lists contain examples of serious side effects that can occur with Ongentys, or with both Ongentys with Nourianz (when taken individually).

Effectiveness

These drugs haven’t been directly compared in clinical studies. However, studies have found both Ongentys and Nourianz to be effective for treating off periods of Parkinson’s disease.

Costs

To compare prices for Ongentys and Nourianz, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance company. The actual price you’ll pay for either drug depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.

Ongentys and Nourianz are both brand-name drugs. There are currently no generic forms of either drug. Brand-name medications usually cost more than generics.

You should take Ongentys according to your doctor’s or healthcare provider’s instructions.

When to take

Take your dose of Ongentys once a day, every day at bedtime. Don’t stop taking Ongentys without first talking with your doctor.

To help make sure you don’t miss a dose, try setting a reminder on your phone. A medication timer may be useful, too.

Taking Ongentys with food

You shouldn’t take Ongentys with food. Avoid eating any food 1 hour before or 1 hour after taking your dose of Ongentys. Taking Ongentys with food lowers the amount of the drug in your body, which may make it less effective.

Can Ongentys be crushed, split, or chewed?

It’s not known if Ongentys capsules are safe to crush, split, or chew. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having trouble swallowing the capsules. They may be able to suggest ways to make it easier to take this medication. Or they may recommend other drugs that could be easier for you to take.

Ongentys is FDA-approved to treat Parkinson’s disease. It’s used in adults who have a sudden return of Parkinson’s symptoms while taking a drug combination called levodopa/carbidopa (Sinemet, Rytary, Duopa).

About Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative disease. This means it causes cells (called neurons) in your brain and spinal cord to die. It’s not yet known why the cells die and why new cells don’t grow in their place.

With Parkinson’s disease, the neurons that die are the ones that make a hormone called dopamine in your brain. When these neurons begin to die, you don’t get enough dopamine in your body. Dopamine sends signals throughout your nerve cells and helps them communicate with each other. People with Parkinson’s may experience symptoms such as:

  • tremor (uncontrollable shaking) in the hands or feet
  • stiff muscles
  • trouble balancing
  • changes in movement or speech, such as slow movements or trouble speaking

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive condition, which means it gets worse over time. As your disease progresses, your symptoms may get worse. You may experience difficulty walking, talking, or eating. In some cases, Parkinson’s may be genetic. However, in most people with this condition, there is no known cause.

People with Parkinson’s may experience a sudden return of symptoms while taking a drug combination called levodopa/carbidopa. This return of symptoms is called an off period. It happens when levodopa/carbidopa’s effects wear off or the drug isn’t working as it should.

What Ongentys does

Ongentys shortens the length of your off period of Parkinson’s, which can help relieve your symptoms.

You’ll only take Ongentys if you’re also taking a drug combination called levodopa/carbidopa. This is because Ongentys works by blocking the breakdown of levodopa in your body.

When Ongentys prevents the breakdown of levodopa, it helps that drug last longer in your body. Levodopa is important because it turns into dopamine, which helps relieve symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

How long does it take to work?

Ongentys begins working after you take your first dose. It shortens your off periods of Parkinson’s disease, which can help relieve your symptoms. You may notice a decrease in your Parkinson’s symptoms after your first dose of Ongentys.

Talk with your doctor to learn more about when you should see results from Ongentys.

It’s not known if Ongentys is safe to take during pregnancy. This drug hasn’t been studied in pregnant women. Animal studies showed that some pregnant animals taking Ongentys had offspring with birth defects or abnormalities. However, animal studies don’t always predict what will happen in humans.

Ongentys is always taken with the drug combination levodopa/carbidopa (Sinemet, Rytary, Duopa). In animal studies, levodopa/carbidopa has also been shown to cause birth defects when taken by pregnant animals.

If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, talk with your doctor before starting Ongentys.

It’s not known if Ongentys is safe to take during pregnancy. If you’re sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your birth control needs while you’re using Ongentys.

For more information about taking Ongentys during pregnancy, see the “Ongentys and pregnancy” section above.

It’s not known if Ongentys is safe to take while breastfeeding. This drug hasn’t been studied in breastfeeding women.

In animal studies, Ongentys was present in breastmilk. However, it’s not known if the drug had any effect on the offspring. Also, animal studies don’t always predict what will happen in humans.

If you’re currently breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using Ongentys.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Ongentys.

How can I safely stop taking Ongentys?

If you want to stop taking Ongentys, your doctor should lower your dose slowly over time. You should never abruptly stop taking Ongentys.

Ongentys may cause withdrawal side effects, especially if you stop taking it suddenly. This is because Ongentys increases the amount of time that levodopa works in your body.

Ongentys is always taken with the drug combination levodopa/carbidopa (Sinemet, Rytary, Duopa). Levodopa turns into dopamine. Therefore, when levodopa stays in your body longer, it increases your dopamine level.

When you’re taking Ongentys, your body has an increased amount of dopamine. Over time, your body gets used to having this extra dopamine. When you stop taking Ongentys, your level of dopamine drops quickly, which may cause you to have withdrawal effects.

If you stop taking Ongentys suddenly, you may develop symptoms such as a fever, stiff muscles, and confusion. These side effects weren’t seen in people who stopped taking Ongentys suddenly. However, they did occur in people taking medications similar to Ongentys that increase dopamine levels.

If you want to stop taking Ongentys, talk with your doctor. They can help you lower your dose slowly over time, which allows your body to adjust to a lower dose. This can help prevent withdrawal side effects.

Can I use Ongentys instead of levodopa/carbidopa?

No. Ongentys should always be taken along with levodopa/carbidopa (Sinemet, Rytary, Duopa). Ongentys works by helping levodopa work longer in your body. This can help you have a shorter off period of Parkinson’s. You shouldn’t stop taking levodopa/carbidopa when you take Ongentys.

Is it safe to drive while taking Ongentys?

It depends on how your body reacts to the drug. Ongentys may cause some people to fall asleep during regular activities, including driving. This can be a very serious side effect, as it can cause car accidents.

When you first start taking Ongentys, you shouldn’t drive or do any other activities that could be dangerous if you get drowsy or fall asleep. This is because you won’t know yet what side effects, if any, you’ll experience. Once you know how this drug affects you, your doctor may allow you to drive.

Talk with your doctor if you’re concerned about side effects with Ongentys, or if you’re worried about not being able to drive. They can help you decide if Ongentys is right for you.

Will Ongentys cure my Parkinson’s disease?

No, Ongentys won’t cure your Parkinson’s disease. There is currently no cure for this condition. However, Ongentys can shorten the length of your off period of Parkinson’s. This can help relieve your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

This drug comes with several precautions. Before taking Ongentys, talk with your doctor about your health history. Ongentys may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. These include:

  • Daytime sleepiness. If you have a sleep disorder, take medications that make you sleepy, or have daytime sleepiness, talk with your doctor before taking Ongentys. This drug can also cause sleepiness. If you’re already experiencing sleepiness from another condition or drug, taking Ongentys may make your symptoms worse. If you take Ongentys, your doctor may monitor your sleep symptoms closely. They may also recommend taking a different medication to treat your off periods of Parkinson’s disease.
  • History of unusual behaviors or urges. Taking Ongentys may make you more willing to do things you usually don’t, such as gambling or shopping. If you have a history of unusual behaviors or urges, taking Ongentys may make this worse. Talk with your doctor about any past experiences with sudden or uncontrollable urges. They may monitor your behavior more closely during your treatment and have your family or friends watch for changes in your behavior. Your doctor may also recommend a medication other than Ongentys.
  • Dyskinesia. Ongentys may cause dyskinesia (uncontrolled or sudden body movements). Sometimes people with Parkinson’s disease already have this condition. Taking Ongentys may make these uncontrolled movements worse or occur more often. If you have a history of dyskinesia, your doctor may lower your dose of levodopa/carbidopa (Sinemet, Rytary, Duopa). They may also recommend a different drug instead of Ongentys to treat off periods of Parkinson’s.
  • Hallucinations or psychosis. Ongentys may cause you to hallucinate or experience psychosis. This could cause changes in mood, such as aggression or agitation. If you have a history of hallucinations or psychosis, Ongentys may make these symptoms worse. Your doctor may need to monitor you closely for symptoms of hallucinations or psychosis during your Ongentys treatment. They may also recommend a different medication to treat your off periods of Parkinson’s disease.
  • Liver problems. Ongentys may be broken down in your liver. If you have a history of liver problems, such as hepatitis, your liver may not be able to break down Ongentys properly. This could cause Ongentys to build up in your body too much. Talk with your doctor about any liver conditions you have and whether Ongentys is safe for you to take.
  • Kidney problems. Ongentys may cause high creatine levels, which could be a sign of kidney problems. If you already have kidney problems such as chronic kidney disease, Ongentys can make your condition worse. Depending on your specific kidney problem, your doctor may monitor your kidney function closely during your treatment through blood tests. They may also recommend a different medication besides Ongentys to treat off periods of Parkinson’s disease.
  • Certain tumors that release hormones. You shouldn’t take Ongentys if you have certain types of tumors. These include pheochromocytoma (a rare tumor in your adrenal gland) or paraganglioma (a rare tumor that starts in your nerve cells). These tumors can release certain hormones such as dopamine. Because Ongentys works by increasing the amount of dopamine in your brain, its use in people with these tumors can lead to dangerous changes in hormone levels. If you have a tumor that releases hormones, talk with your doctor about your treatment options.
  • Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Ongentys or any of its ingredients, you shouldn’t take this drug. Ask your doctor about other medications that may be better options for you.
  • Pregnancy. It’s not known if Ongentys is safe to take during pregnancy. For more information, see the “Ongentys and pregnancy” section above.
  • Breastfeeding. It’s unknown whether Ongentys is safe to take while breastfeeding. For more information, see the “Ongentys and breastfeeding” section above.

Note: For more information about the potential negative effects of Ongentys, see the “Ongentys side effects” section above.

Do not use more Ongentys than your doctor recommends. For some drugs, doing so may lead to unwanted side effects or overdose.

What to do in case you take too much Ongentys

If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor. You can also call the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 800-222-1222 or use their online tool. But if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

Ongentys may cause withdrawal side effects, especially if you stop taking it suddenly. This is because Ongentys increases the amount of time that levodopa works in your body.

Ongentys is always taken with the drug combination levodopa/carbidopa (Sinemet, Rytary, Duopa). Levodopa turns into dopamine. Therefore, when levodopa stays in your body longer, it increases your dopamine level.

When you’re taking Ongentys, your body has an increased amount of dopamine. Over time, your body gets used to having this extra dopamine. This is called dependence. When you stop taking Ongentys, your dopamine level will drop quickly, which may cause you to have withdrawal effects.

If you stop taking Ongentys suddenly, you may develop symptoms such as a fever, stiff muscles, and confusion. These side effects weren’t seen in people who stopped taking Ongentys suddenly. However, they did occur in people taking medications similar to Ongentys that increase dopamine levels.

If you want to stop taking Ongentys, talk with your doctor. They can help you lower your dose slowly over time, which allows your body to adjust to a lower dose. This can help prevent withdrawal side effects.

When you get Ongentys from the pharmacy, the pharmacist will add an expiration date to the label on the bottle. This date is typically 1 year from the date they dispensed the medication.

The expiration date helps guarantee that the medication is effective during this time. The current stance of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is to avoid using expired medications. If you have unused medication that has gone past the expiration date, talk to your pharmacist about whether you might still be able to use it.

Storage

How long a medication remains good can depend on many factors, including how and where you store the medication.

Ongentys capsules should be stored at a room temperature below 86°F (30°C) in a tightly sealed container. Avoid storing this medication in areas where it could get damp or wet, such as bathrooms.

Disposal

If you no longer need to take Ongentys and have leftover medication, it’s important to dispose of it safely. This helps prevent others, including children and pets, from taking the drug by accident. It also helps keep the drug from harming the environment.

This article provides several useful tips on medication disposal. You can also ask your pharmacist for information on how to dispose of your medication.

The following information is provided for clinicians and other healthcare professionals.

Indications

Ongentys is indicated for use in people with Parkinson’s disease who are having off episodes. It should be used along with levodopa/carbidopa (Sinemet, Rytary, Duopa).

Administration

Ongentys is administered as a once-daily dose at bedtime. It is an oral capsule.

Mechanism of action

Ongentys is a reversible catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitor. Typically, COMT metabolizes levodopa. However, upon blocking COMT, levodopa is present to work longer in the body.

Pharmacokinetics and metabolism

Maximum concentration of Ongentys is reached after 2 hours. It is highly protein bound, at greater than 99%. The average half-life is 1 to 2 hours. The drug is mainly metabolized via sulphation and excreted mainly in the feces.

Contraindications

Ongentys is contraindicated in people who:

  • use a nonselective monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor
  • have a history of pheochromocytoma, paraganglioma, or other types of cancer that secrete catecholamines

Misuse, withdrawal, and dependence

Ongentys may cause withdrawal side effects, especially when someone stops taking it abruptly. Ongentys increases the amount of time that levodopa works in the body, which increases the dopamine in the body.

Stopping Ongentys suddenly can cause a fever, muscle rigidity, an increased heart rate, and hypotension or hypertension. These side effects were not seen in people who stopped taking Ongentys suddenly. However, they did occur in people taking medications similar to Ongentys that increase dopamine levels.

The best way to stop Ongentys is to slowly decrease the dose over time to minimize withdrawal side effects.

Storage

Ongentys capsules should be stored at room temperature, below 86°F (30°C) in a tightly sealed container. Avoid storing this medication in areas where it could get damp or wet, such as bathrooms.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or other healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.