Understanding Ongentys: A Breakthrough Medication for Parkinson’s Disease Management

Introduction

What is Ongentys?

Ongentys is a medicine that contains an active ingredient called opicapone which belongs to a group of medicines called anti-Parkinson drugs, a class of medicines that helps to relieve the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and movement problems. ¹Introduction| Researched based study from Electronic Medicines Compendium

Indications

Indications & Uses of Ongentys

It is used to treat Parkinson’s disease and associated problems with movement in individuals using levodopa- and DOPA decarboxylase inhibitor-containing medication (other antiparkinsonian medicines). It eases Parkinson’s disease symptoms and movement issues by boosting levodopa’s effects in those who are affected. ¹Indications| Researched based study from Electronic Medicines Compendium

Parkinson’s Disease

What exactly is Parkinson’s disease?

• Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative brain condition that develops as people age and is brought on by the decrease of particular brain regions.
• For those who are affected, it typically results in tremors, delayed motion, and/or balance problems.
• Most of the time, there are no recognized causes, but sometimes genetic factors may be involved.  ²Parkinson’s disease| Researched based study from Cleveland Clinic

Dosage

Dosage & Strengths of Ongentys

• Ongentys comes in 25mg and 50mg capsules, which are 19 mm long, light blue, or dark blue, with the words “OPC 25” or “Bial” printed on them.
• In most cases, it comes in blister packs/bottles containing 10, 30, or 90 capsules. ¹Dosage| Researched based study from Electronic Medicines Compendium

Administration

How is an Ongentys tablet be taken?

• The suggested dose is 50 mg taken (orally) once daily before night. Prior to and following the administration of the medication, patients should not eat anything.
• Patients who suffer from mild hepatic impairment should take 25 mg (orally) once daily before bed. Always take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
• The medicine should be taken as prescribed even if you forget to take it. The treatment should be continued as usual. To make up for a missed dose, do not take a second dose.
• Ongentys should not be stopped until your doctor instructs you to do so as your symptoms could worsen.
• If you are uncertain about how to take the medicine or missed the dose, then discuss it with your doctor. ³Administration| Researched based study from U.S.Food and Drug Administration

Side Effects

Ongentys: Side effects

Ongentys side effects are typically mild to severe and manifest primarily during the first few weeks of medication. If any of these symptoms bother you or become persistent, then seek medical advice:

Common side effects:

• Dyskinesia (involuntary/uncontrolled muscle movement)
• Constipation
• Weight loss

Uncommon side effects:

• Palpitations/irregular heartbeat
• Blocked ear
• Dry eye
• Pain or swelling of the abdomen
• Indigestion
• Muscle twitching or muscle pain/stiffness
• Pain in arms/legs
• Altered taste
• Excessive body movements
• Fainting, anxiety, depression
• Sleep disorder or experiencing nightmares
• Urge to wake in the night to urinate
• Shortness of breath
• High /low blood pressure. ¹Side Effects| Researched based study from Electronic Medicines Compendium

Serious side effects: (which may lead a patient to quit taking Ongentys medicine)

• Hypotension (low blood pressure)
• Syncope (loss of consciousness)
• Daytime sleepiness or episodes of falling asleep during activities that require full attention. ³Side Effects| Researched based study from U.S.Food and Drug Administration

Contraindications

Who should avoid taking Ongentys?

Do not take Ongentys if you:

• Are allergic to opicapone, and/ or any other ingredients of this medicine
• Suffer from phaeochromocytoma (adrenal gland tumor), and/or paraganglioma (tumor of the nervous system)
• Ever suffered from neuroleptic malignant syndrome (a potentially fatal neurologic emergency linked to the use of antipsychotic medications)
• Ever experienced the unusual muscular condition called rhabdomyolysis
• Are taking certain antidepressants such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (Ex. phenelzine, tranylcypromine, moclobemide) ¹Contraindications| Researched based study from Electronic Medicines Compendium

Precautions

Warnings & Precautions

Tell your doctor if any of the following apply to you before taking Ongentys medicine:

• An intolerance to certain sugars such as lactose

Patients with kidney (renal) problems:

• Patients with advanced kidney disease should avoid taking this medicine since it can cause undesirable side effects.
• To avoid such side effects, it is advisable to consult the doctor before taking Ongentys medicine.   

Patients suffering from liver/hepatic problems:

• Patients with severe liver problems should use caution while taking this medication and should consult their doctor to prevent any side effects.

Use in specific populations:

Pregnant women:

• If you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant, you should avoid using Ongentys since it could harm the unborn child.
• Effective contraceptive methods should be used both before and throughout medication treatment to avoid accidental pregnancy

Breastfeeding women:

• Ongentys should not be used by breastfeeding women as it is not known whether the medicine passes through breastfed milk. Consult your doctor for advice.

Use in children:

• Children and adolescents (aged below 18 years) should avoid taking Ongentys medicine since the safety and efficacy of the use of medicine are not established in this age group.

Use in elderly (geriatric) patients:

• Patients aged 65 years or above should use Ongentys medicine with caution after consulting the doctor to avoid adverse side effects in this age group. ¹Precautions| Researched based study from Electronic Medicines Compendium , ⁴Precautions| Researched based study from Neurocrine Biosciences

Interactions

Drug Interactions

Due to possible interactions with Ongentys, it is not advisable to take numerous medications at the same time. Inform your doctor of all the medications you are currently taking, particularly any of those listed below, before beginning treatment with Ongentys:

• Venlafaxine, maprotiline, desipramine (medicines used to treat depression/anxiety)
• Safinamide (used to treat Parkinson’s disease)
• Isoprenaline, Rimiterol (medicines used to treat asthma)
• Medicines used to treat allergic reactions (Ex. cetirizine, desloratadine, fexofenadine)
• Medicines used to treat heart failure (Ex. dopexamine, dobutamine, dopamine)
• Medicines used to treat high cholesterol (Ex. pravastatin, simvastatin, atorvastatin, rosuvastatin)
• Medicines that have an immune system-altering effect (Ex. Methotrexate, an anticancer medicine).
• Quinidine (a medicine used to treat malaria and irregular heartbeats). ¹Interactions| Researched based study from Electronic Medicines Compendium

Overdose

Overdose

As prescribed by your doctor, take Ongentys. Never go beyond the suggested dose. Ongentys overdose symptoms may manifest if the appropriate dosage is exceeded which should be managed right away by visiting a nearby hospital or doctor in the area. ³Overdosage| Researched based study from U.S.Food and Drug Administration

Takeaway Tips

Takeaway Tips

• Ongentys is a medicine that helps people with Parkinson’s disease who are experiencing symptoms and movement issues
• Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative brain illness associated with aging that occurs due to the decline of specific brain regions in adults
• Dyskinesia, constipation, and/or weight loss are common adverse effects associated with the use of medicine
• Ongentys should be avoided if you are allergic to opicapone, and/or suffer from phaeochromocytoma (adrenal gland tumor), or paraganglioma (tumor of the nervous system)
• Pregnant women should avoid the use of this medicine since it may cause harm to unborn baby
• Breastfeeding women are advised to refrain from using this medicine since it is not known whether the medicine passes through breastfed milk
• Patients with kidney or liver problems should use Ongentys with caution after consulting the doctor. ¹Takeaway Tips| Researched based study from Electronic Medicines Compendium , ³Takeaway Tips| Researched based study from U.S.Food and Drug Administration, ⁴Takeaway Tips| Researched based study from Neurocrine Biosciences