Uses
What is Crexont used for?
Crexont (carbidopa/levodopa) is commonly used to treat Parkinson’s disease, a condition that affects the part of your brain that controls your movements. It may also be used to treat conditions with symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease (called parkinsonism).
Crexont may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does Crexont work (mechanism of action)?
Crexont is a combination of two medicines - carbidopa and levodopa. Levodopa changes to a chemical called dopamine inside the brain, which may help with symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Carbidopa helps levodopa reach your brain.
How is Crexont supplied (dosage forms)?
Crexont is available in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.
- 35 mg/140 mg extended-release oral capsules
- 52.5 mg/210 mg extended-release oral capsules
- 70 mg/280 mg extended-release oral capsules
- 87.5 mg/350 mg extended-release oral capsules
How should I store Crexont?
Crexont should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect from light and moisture.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Crexont?
The most common side effects of Crexont are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Nausea
- Anxiety
There may be other side effects of Crexont that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of Crexont?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Crexont are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Crexont may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Crexont and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Sleepiness. Crexont can make you sleepy, sometimes very suddenly and without warning signs (also called a "sleep attack"). Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how Crexont affects you. Tell your healthcare provider if you feel sleepy or drowsy while taking Crexont.
Heart Attack and Other Heart Conditions. Crexont can increase your risk of a heart attack (myocardial infarction) or other heart conditions, such as chest pain. This risk is increased in people with existing heart disease. Tell your healthcare provider if you have had a heart attack or have other heart problems so they can make sure Crexont is safe for you to take. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of a heart attack.
- Chest pain or pressure
- Fast or abnormal heartbeat
- Trouble breathing
- Pain in your back, jaw, throat, or arm
- Sweating, upset stomach, vomiting, or dizziness
Hallucinations or Psychotic-like Behaviors. Crexont may cause hallucinations or psychotic-like behaviors. Talk to your healthcare provider right away if you or someone you know notices that you have any of the following symptoms.
- Seeing or hearing things that others do not see or hear, also called hallucinations
- Delusional thoughts (such as false beliefs that you are being controlled)
- Disorganized thoughts (such as jumping between topics or having a hard time focusing)
- Sudden decline in self-care (such as personal hygiene or academic/work performance)
- Aggressive behavior
Unusual or Compulsive Behaviors. Crexont can cause some people to have strong unusual and uncontrolled urges (compulsions), including gambling, sex, shopping, or eating. Talk to your healthcare provider right away if you or someone you know notices that you have new or worsening strong urges or behaviors.
Uncontrollable, Involuntary Movements (Dyskinesia). Crexont may cause involuntary movement problems, including shakiness, stiffness, or jerkiness. Call your healthcare provider right away if you develop any unusual or uncontrolled movements or if they get worse.
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use Crexont?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Crexont.
- Levodopa
- Carbidopa
- Crexont
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Crexont.
Drug Interactions. Crexont should not be taken while you are using or if you have recently used certain other medicines. Before taking Crexont, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
What should I know about Crexont before using it?
Do not take Crexont unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share Crexont with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep Crexont out of the reach of children.
Do not stop taking Crexont without talking to your healthcare provider. Stopping too quickly may cause serious side effects. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.
- High fever
- Muscle stiffness or rigidity, where it is hard to move
- Changes in your breathing or heart rate
- Increased sweating
- Confusion
Crexont may cause you to feel sleepy, especially if you already have conditions that can make you drowsy. You may feel sudden drowsiness in the middle of an activity without warning signs. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how Crexont affects you.
Do not chew, cut, or crush Crexont capsules.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Crexont?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Crexont is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Psychotic Disorder. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any psychotic disorder, such as schizophrenia or delusional disorder. Crexont may increase the risk of psychosis.
Sleepiness. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any conditions or take any medicines that make you more sleepy than usual or if you feel that you are prone to feeling drowsy during the day. Crexont may increase the risk of sudden daytime drowsiness.
History of Heart Attack and Other Heart Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any heart problems, such as a prior heart attack, heart disease, or irregular heartbeats. Crexont can increase your risk of a heart attack or other heart conditions.
Stomach Ulcer (Peptic Ulcer). If you have had an ulcer before, taking Crexont may raise the risk of bleeding in your stomach or intestines.
Glaucoma. Tell your doctor if you have a history of glaucoma. Crexont can raise eye pressure in people with glaucoma. If you have glaucoma, keep all appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor your eye pressure after you start taking Crexont.
Other Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.
- Uncontrollable, involuntary movements (dyskinesia)
- Unusual urges, such as gambling, binge eating, compulsive shopping, or increased sex drive
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Crexont could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. Levodopa, one of the medicines in Crexont, passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take Crexont while breastfeeding.
How can I get more information about Crexont?
For more information about Crexont, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at amneal.com or call them at 877-835-5472 (option 3).
Interactions
Does Crexont interact with foods or drinks?
You may take Crexont with or without food. However, a high-fat, high-calorie meal may delay how fast the medicine works in your body. For this reason, you may want to take your first dose about 1 to 2 hours before eating.
Additionally, a high-protein meal may decrease the amount of levodopa (one of the two medicines in Crexont) your body absorbs. If you change your diet to high-protein foods, it may reduce the amount of levodopa you get from Crexont.
Do not drink alcohol while taking Crexont. Alcohol may cause the medicine to be released too fast, which can lead to a higher risk of side effects. The risk of drowsiness or sleepiness may also be increased if you drink alcohol while taking Crexont.
Does Crexont interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking Crexont.
- A nonselective monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within the past 2 weeks, such as phenelzine or tranylcypromine, which is a medicine usually used for depression
- A selective monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) inhibitor, such as rasagiline or selegiline, which is a medicine usually used for depression or Parkinson’s disease
- An antipsychotic, such as haloperidol, chlorpromazine, thioridazine, fluphenazine, or risperidone, which is a medicine for certain mental health conditions
- Metoclopramide (Reglan and others), which is a medicine for certain stomach conditions, such as heartburn
- Isoniazid, which is a medicine for treating tuberculosis
- Iron supplements or other supplements (such as multivitamins) containing iron
- Any other medicine that causes dizziness and sleepiness, such as prescription pain medicines, sleep medicines, and medicines for anxiety
- Any other medicine that contains carbidopa or levodopa
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Crexont. Always check with your healthcare provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Crexont?
If you or someone else has used too much Crexont, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Crexont?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.