Parcopa and Tetanus and diphtheria toxoids vaccine Td

• Generic Name: carbidopa / levodopa
• Dosage Forms: tablet, orally disintegrating
• Other Brand Names: Parcopa, Rytary, Sinemet, Sinemet CR, Duopa

Parcopa is a combination medicine used to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as muscle stiffness, tremors, spasms, and poor muscle control. Parkinson's disease may be caused by low levels of a chemical called dopamine (DOE pa meen) in the brain.

Levodopa is converted to dopamine in the brain. Carbidopa helps prevent the breakdown of levodopa before it can reach the brain and take effect.

Parcopa is also used to treat Parkinson symptoms caused by carbon monoxide poisoning or manganese intoxication.

Parcopa may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

• Generic Name: diphtheria toxoid / tetanus toxoid
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names:

  Diphtheria-Tetanus Toxoids, Pediatric, Decavac, Tenivac

Diphtheria and tetanus are serious diseases caused by bacteria.

Diphtheria causes a thick coating in the nose, throat, and airways. It can lead to breathing problems, paralysis, heart failure, or death.

Tetanus (lockjaw) causes painful tightening of the muscles, usually all over the body. It can lead to "locking" of the jaw so the victim cannot open the mouth or swallow. Tetanus leads to death in about 1 out of 10 cases.

Diphtheria is spread from person to person. Tetanus enters the body through a cut or wound.

The tetanus and diphtheria toxoids vaccine (also called Td) is used to help prevent these diseases in adults and children who are at least 7 years old.

This vaccine works by exposing you to a small dose of the bacteria or a protein from the bacteria, which causes the body to develop immunity to the disease. This vaccine will not treat an active infection that has already developed in the body.

Like any vaccine, the tetanus and diphtheria toxoids vaccine may not provide protection from disease in every person.