Wondopa Tablet 12.5/50 mg (Benserazide, Levodopa)

Adult dose

○ As with conventional levodopa therapy, treatment with this medicine should be initiated at the lowest possible dose and increased gradually. The dosage and administration should be individualized at every stage of the disease. To prevent dietary protein from competing with levodopa and to promote a more rapid onset of action, it is recommended, if possible, to take this medicine 30 minutes before or 1 hour after a meal. Gastrointestinal adverse reactions may occur early in treatment, but can be managed by taking this medicine with a low-protein meal or beverage or by increasing the dose gradually. ○ The following dosage regimens may be used as a guide. 1. Initial treatment In patients with early-stage Parkinson's disease, it is preferable to initiate treatment with 1 tablet of this medicine (levodopa 50mg/benserazide 12.5mg) per dose, 3-4 times daily. In patients with more advanced disease, initiate treatment with twice the above amount (levodopa 100mg/benserazide 25mg per dose), 3-4 times daily. Once tolerability of the initial regimen is confirmed, increase the number of daily doses by 1 at weekly intervals (e.g., 4 times daily instead of 3 times daily). If the patient can be monitored closely, the dose may also be adjusted at 2-3-day intervals. Optimal effects are generally achieved with a total daily dose of 4~8 tablets of levodopa 100mg/benserazide 25mg, divided into 3-4 doses. If a further increase in the daily dose is required, increase it at monthly intervals. It may take 4-6 weeks to reach the optimal dose. 2. Maintenance treatment The average maintenance dose is 1 tablet of levodopa 100mg/benserazide 25mg, 4-6 times daily. The number of daily doses (at least 3 times daily) and the intervals between doses should be determined and adjusted according to the patient. 3. Special dosage and administration Other medicines for Parkinson's disease besides levodopa may be continued until the therapeutic effect of this medicine is fully established; however, their doses can often be gradually reduced after this medicine begins to take effect. If marked fluctuations in therapeutic effect (the on-off phenomenon) occur during treatment, it is recommended to reduce the amount per dose and increase the number of doses, or to administer HBS capsules (levodopa/benserazide).

This drug should not be used in patients with severe endocrine disorders, liver dysfunction, kidney dysfunction, or severe heart disease. It should also not be administered to patients with mental disorders or severe psychopathology, or to individuals under 25 years of age whose skeletal development is not complete. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not use this drug and should stop immediately if pregnancy is confirmed. Patients with a history of malignant melanoma or those with angle-closure glaucoma should also not take this drug. Those who are allergic to this drug or its components or are on non-selective MAO inhibitors should not be administered this medication. Patients with weakened liver or kidney function, open-angle glaucoma, or a history of myocardial infarction or heart failure should use this drug cautiously and require regular check-ups. Caution is needed for patients with osteomalacia, peptic ulcers, or diabetes, and strict blood sugar management is required. Long-term use of this drug requires blood tests and liver and kidney function tests, and psychiatric side effects such as reduced appetite, depression, anxiety, hallucinations, and drowsiness may occur. Disorders of movement or orthostatic hypotension, gastrointestinal symptoms, and skin rashes have also been reported, so patients should consult a doctor if symptoms appear. Before surgery, this medication should be stopped, and sudden discontinuation may lead to serious symptoms, so medication should be tapered gradually. Patients should be careful when driving or operating machinery due to the possibility of drowsiness, and both patients and caregivers should be aware of potential impulse control disorders. This drug interacts with many other medications, and caution is especially needed when taken with non-selective MAO inhibitors, sympathomimetics, or antipsychotic medications. It is safe to avoid this medication during pregnancy or breastfeeding; before pregnancy, a pregnancy test is necessary, and appropriate contraception should be used. This drug is sensitive to moisture and should be stored tightly in its original container, out of reach of children.

• Hemolytic anemia
• transient leukopenia
• thrombocytopenia
• loss of appetite
• depression
• agitation
• anxiety
• insomnia
• hallucinations
• delusions

This drug should be stored in a closed container to prevent exposure to air or moisture. It is also important to store it in a cool place, below 25 degrees Celsius, to maintain its effectiveness.

Appearance

Pink round tablet

Package unit

30 tablets/bottle, 100 tablets/bottle