Duopa patients and care partners have volunteered to share their personal stories. See what they have to say about Parkinson’s and Duopa. Individual experiences with Duopa may vary. Talk to your doctor to see if Duopa is right for you.
Air Force veteran Dale and his wife and care partner Cindy discuss life with Duopa.
A retired doctor and his wife and care partner open up about their journey with Duopa.
A father, grandfather, husband, and brother as well as a Duopa patient.
TALK WITH SOMEONE WHO CARES AND UNDERSTANDS
These nurses answer questions and share educational materials with you and your care partner; they can also connect you with a Peer Mentor.
Peer Mentors are real patients on Duopa or their care partners. They volunteer to share their experiences with patients and care partners considering Duopa.
Only you and your doctor can decide if a treatment is right for you. Your doctor is your best resource for medical information.
*Duopa Nurses, Nurse Ambassadors, and Peer Mentors do not provide medical advice and will direct you to your healthcare professional for any treatment-related questions.
Your levodopa pills aren’t working as well as they used to even though you’re taking them more often
You’re having more ups and downs in motor symptoms
You’d like to have less “off” time and more “on” time in your day
Your levodopa pills aren’t working as well as they used to even though you’re taking them more often
You’re having more ups and downs in motor symptoms
You’d like to have less “off” time and more “on” time in your day
Take this checklist to your next doctor visit and ask them if it’s time to change course
CARE PARTNERS NEED SUPPORT, TOO
When you care for someone with Parkinson’s, you’re their hero. You help out with so many day-to-day needs, and through it all you have so much patience. You also give lots of emotional support to your loved one.
If your loved one starts Duopa, it’ll be a new experience for both of you. Adding Duopa into your lives will take some adjustment. But having a clear idea of your individual roles can help you set expectations. It’s a balance – so just be open and honest. Letting your loved one know you’re always there for them goes a long way.
As a care partner, you do so many things for your loved one. But you still need to take time for yourself. This can help you decompress, let out frustrations, and catch up with your own day-to-day life. Here are some tips:
You should never feel guilty about feeling overwhelmed. Just keep doing the best you can.
Don’t be shy about asking for support. Make a to-do list for your family and friends – you’ll be surprised by how willing they can be to help.
Remember that everyone has good days and bad days. Try a change of scenery, which can give you a little break.
Make exercise a part of your routine. Taking a walk and getting some fresh air can help. Check with your doctor before starting an exercise program.
Share your frustrations so you don’t feel alone. Friends or family may offer a fresh perspective and help you deal with your challenges.
The most common side effects of DUOPA include: complications of tubing placement procedure, swelling of legs and feet, nausea, high blood pressure (hypertension), depression, and mouth and throat pain.
WHAT DO CARE PARTNERS THINK?
Connect with a Peer Mentor who’s a care partner by calling or visit DuopaMentor.com
To support patients during treatment with Duopa, AbbVie offers an extended warranty for the CADD-Legacy® 1400 Infusion Pump.
Terms and conditions apply — click on LEARN MORE below to review important warranty terms and conditions.
DUOPA (carbidopa and levodopa) enteral suspension is a prescription medicine used for treatment of advanced Parkinson’s disease. DUOPA contains two medicines: carbidopa and levodopa.
What is the most important safety information I should know about DUOPA?
Your healthcare provider will talk to you about the stoma procedure. Before the stoma procedure, tell your healthcare provider if you ever had a surgery or problems with your stomach.
Talk to your healthcare provider about what you need to do to care for your stoma. After the procedure, you and your healthcare provider will need to regularly check the stoma for any signs of infection.
Do not take DUOPA if you currently take or have recently taken (within 2 weeks) a medication for depression called a non-selective monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you are not sure if you take an MAO inhibitor.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Using DUOPA with certain other medicines, including medications for high blood pressure, MAO inhibitors, antipsychotics, metoclopramide, isoniazid, and iron or vitamin supplements, may cause serious side effects. High-protein foods may affect how DUOPA works. Tell your healthcare provider if you change your diet.
DUOPA may cause serious side effects. Talk to your doctor before starting DUOPA and while on DUOPA if you have had or have any of these:
Do not stop using DUOPA or change your dose unless you are told to do so by your healthcare provider. Tell your healthcare provider if you develop withdrawal symptoms such as fever, confusion, or severe muscle stiffness.
The most common side effects of DUOPA include: complications of tubing placement procedure, swelling of legs and feet, nausea, high blood pressure (hypertension), depression, and mouth and throat pain.
Please see the full Prescribing Information including Medication Guide for additional information about DUOPA. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
If you are having difficulty paying for your medicine, AbbVie may be able to help. Visit AbbVie.com/myAbbVieAssist to learn more.
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AbbVie Inc. is the maker and marketer of Duopa (carbidopa and levodopa) enteral suspension.
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