What is Ongentys (opicapone) for?
Ongentys (opicapone) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with Parkinson disease. It is used as an add-on to levodopa/DOPA decarboxylase inhibitors (DDCI) (other medicines for Parkinson’s disease) in patients who are having fluctuations in the control of their condition1.
How does Ongentys (opicapone) work?
Parkinson’s disease develops when neurons (brain cells) in a particular part of the brain stop working properly and are lost over time. These neurons produce an important chemical called dopamine. Dopamine is used by the brain to send messages across brain areas to help control movement. Eventually, the brain cannot make enough dopamine to control the movement properly. There is currently no cure for Parkinson’s Disease. Existing treatments aim to help patients manage symptoms3.
The active substance in Ongentys (opicapone) works to restore the levels of dopamine in the areas of the brain that control movement and coordination. It enhances the effects of another drug, levodopa, commonly used to treat Parkinson’s Disease. Opicapone blocks an enzyme that is involved in the breakdown of levodopa in the body, called catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT). As a result, levodopa remains active for longer. This helps to relieve the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, such as stiffness and slowness of movement1.
Is Ongentys (opicapone) approved?
Opicapone was approved for treating patients with Parkinson’s Disease as an add-on to levodopa/DOPA decarboxylase inhibitors (DDCI) in patients who are having fluctuations in the control of their condition1 by:
European Medicines Agency (EMA) June 24, 2016
How do I take Ongentys (opicapone)?
The recommended therapy consists of 50mg, taken once a day at bedtime, at least one hour before or after levodopa combination medicines1.
Note: Consult your treating doctor for personalised dosing.
Complete information on dosing can be found in the resources section.
