Ongentys

Before taking this medicine

Do not take Ongentys if you take a non-selective monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor, or if you have or have had pheochromocytoma, paraganglioma or another tumour that releases catecholamines. Use should be avoided in people with end-stage kidney disease. Ongentys requires caution with medicines broken down by the COMT enzyme, as the combination may cause an irregular heartbeat, a faster heart rate or excessive changes in blood pressure. Monitoring is needed if these medicines are used together. Other important risks include falling asleep during everyday activities, low blood pressure or fainting, new or worsening involuntary movements, hallucinations or psychosis, and impulse-control problems or compulsive behaviour. Tell your prescriber if these occur. Stopping Ongentys requires monitoring because high fever and confusion can occur during withdrawal. If you are pregnant, discuss this with your prescriber. Animal studies suggest Ongentys may harm an unborn baby.