OPICAPONE: 1,090 Adverse Event Reports & Safety Profile
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Drug Class: Catechol O-Methyltransferase Inhibitors [MoA] · Route: ORAL · Manufacturer: Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC · FDA Application: 212489 · HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · FDA Label: Available
Patent Expires: Oct 10, 2027 · First Report: 2017 · Latest Report: 20250816
What Are the Most Common OPICAPONE Side Effects?
All OPICAPONE Side Effects by Frequency
| Side Effect | Reports | % of Total | Deaths | Hosp. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dyskinesia | 155 | 14.2% | 20 | 38 |
| Hallucination | 153 | 14.0% | 1 | 39 |
| Fall | 86 | 7.9% | 22 | 35 |
| Tremor | 80 | 7.3% | 1 | 13 |
| Confusional state | 74 | 6.8% | 18 | 22 |
| Constipation | 72 | 6.6% | 0 | 8 |
| Gait disturbance | 64 | 5.9% | 1 | 9 |
| Anxiety | 63 | 5.8% | 0 | 18 |
| Therapeutic response shortened | 59 | 5.4% | 0 | 2 |
| Drug ineffective | 57 | 5.2% | 1 | 9 |
| Dysphagia | 57 | 5.2% | 0 | 21 |
| Death | 55 | 5.1% | 55 | 9 |
| Dystonia | 55 | 5.1% | 0 | 4 |
| Off label use | 54 | 5.0% | 14 | 17 |
| Dizziness | 53 | 4.9% | 0 | 14 |
| Bradykinesia | 52 | 4.8% | 1 | 4 |
| Muscle rigidity | 51 | 4.7% | 0 | 12 |
| Balance disorder | 48 | 4.4% | 0 | 11 |
| Delusion | 48 | 4.4% | 1 | 11 |
| Fatigue | 48 | 4.4% | 0 | 8 |
Who Reports OPICAPONE Side Effects? Age & Gender Data
Gender: 42.2% female, 57.8% male. Average age: 70.6 years. Most reports from: US. View detailed demographics →
Is OPICAPONE Getting Safer? Reports by Year
| Year | Reports | Deaths | Hosp. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 8 | 0 | 6 |
| 2018 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| 2019 | 3 | 0 | 2 |
| 2020 | 77 | 19 | 17 |
| 2021 | 201 | 13 | 36 |
| 2022 | 73 | 6 | 26 |
| 2023 | 76 | 9 | 34 |
| 2024 | 66 | 5 | 44 |
| 2025 | 25 | 2 | 14 |
What Is OPICAPONE Used For?
| Indication | Reports |
|---|---|
| Parkinson's disease | 760 |
| Product used for unknown indication | 259 |
| On and off phenomenon | 44 |
| Parkinsonism | 7 |
OPICAPONE vs Alternatives: Which Is Safer?
Other Drugs in Same Class: Catechol O-Methyltransferase Inhibitors [MoA]
Official FDA Label for OPICAPONE
Official prescribing information from the FDA-approved drug label.
Drug Description
ONGENTYS contains opicapone, a peripheral, selective and reversible catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitor. The chemical name of opicapone is 2,5-dichloro-3-(5-(3,4-dihydroxy-5-nitrophenyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)-4,6-dimethylpyridine-1-oxide with the following structure: The opicapone molecular formula is C15H10Cl2N4O6; and its molecular weight is 413.17. Opicapone is a yellow powder/crystalline solid with limited aqueous solubility. ONGENTYS capsules are intended for oral administration. Each capsule contains 25 mg or 50 mg of opicapone. ONGENTYS also contains the following inactive ingredients: lactose, magnesium stearate, pregelatinized starch, and sodium starch glycolate. The capsule shells contain: FD&C Blue#2, FD&C Red#3, gelatin, and titanium dioxide. ONGENTYS contains opicapone, a peripheral, selective and reversible catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitor. The chemical name of opicapone is 2,5-dichloro-3-(5-(3,4-dihydroxy-5-nitrophenyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)-4,6-dimethylpyridine-1-oxide with the following structure:
FDA Approved Uses (Indications)
AND USAGE ONGENTYS is indicated as adjunctive treatment to levodopa/carbidopa in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) experiencing “off” episodes. ONGENTYS is a catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitor indicated as adjunctive treatment to levodopa/carbidopa in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) experiencing “off” episodes. ( 1 )
Dosage & Administration
AND ADMINISTRATION The recommended dosage is 50 mg administered orally once daily at bedtime. ( 2.1 ) Patients should not eat food for 1 hour before and for at least 1 hour after intake of ONGENTYS. ( 2.1 ) The recommended dosage in patients with moderate hepatic impairment is 25 mg orally once daily at bedtime; avoid use in patients with severe hepatic impairment. ( 2.2 )
2.1 Dosing and Administration Information The recommended dosage of ONGENTYS is 50 mg administered orally once daily at bedtime. Patients should not eat food for 1 hour before and for at least 1 hour after intake of ONGENTYS <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]</span>.
2.2 Dosage Recommendations for Patients with Hepatic Impairment In patients with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B), the recommended dose of ONGENTYS is 25 mg orally once daily at bedtime <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.7 ), Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]</span>. Avoid use of ONGENTYS in patients with severe (Child-Pugh C) hepatic impairment [ see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.7 ) , Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 ) ]. 2.3 D iscontinuation and Missed Dose When discontinuing ONGENTYS, monitor patients and consider adjustment of other dopaminergic therapies as needed. If a dose of ONGENTYS is missed, the next dose should be taken at the scheduled time the next day.
Contraindications
ONGENTYS is contraindicated in patients with: Concomitant use of non-selective monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors [ see Drug Interactions ( 7.1 ) ] . Pheochromocytoma, paraganglioma, or other catecholamine secreting neoplasms. Concomitant use of non-selective monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors. ( 4 ) History of pheochromocytoma, paraganglioma, or other catecholamine secreting neoplasms. ( 4 )
Known Adverse Reactions
REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions are discussed in more detail in other sections of the labeling: Cardiovascular Effects with Concomitant Use of Drugs Metabolized by Catechol-O-Methyltransferase (COMT) [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]
Falling Asleep During
Activities of Daily Living and Somnolence [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Hypotension/Syncope [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Dyskinesia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Hallucinations and Psychosis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )]
Impulse Control/Compulsive
Disorders [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] Withdrawal-Emergent Hyperpyrexia and Confusion [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] Most common adverse reactions (≥4% and > placebo): dyskinesia, constipation, blood creatine kinase increased, hypotension/syncope, and weight decreased. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Amneal Pharmaceuticals at 1-877-835-5472 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The safety of ONGENTYS was evaluated in 265 patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) in two 14-15 week placebo- and active-controlled (Study 1) or placebo-controlled (Study 2) studies <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Clinical Studies ( 14 )]</span> . All patients were taking a stable dose of levodopa and a DOPA decarboxylase inhibitor, alone or in combination with other PD medications.
In Study
1 and Study 2, the mean age of patients was 63.6 years, 59% of patients were male, and 89% of patients were Caucasian. At baseline, the mean duration of PD was 7.6 years.
Adverse Reactions
Leading to Discontinuation of Treatment In Study 1 and Study 2, a total of 8% of ONGENTYS 50 mg-treated patients and 6% of patients who received placebo discontinued due to adverse events. The most common adverse reaction leading to discontinuation was dyskinesia, reported in 3% of ONGENTYS 50 mg-treated patients and 0.4% of patients who received placebo.
Common Adverse Reactions
Adverse reactions that occurred in the pooled studies at an incidence of at least 2% and greater than placebo are presented in Table 1. The most common adverse reactions (incidence at least 4% and greater than placebo) were dyskinesia, constipation, blood creatine kinase increased, hypotension/syncope, and weight decreased.
Table
1 : Adverse Reactions with an Incidence of at Least 2 % in Patients Treated with ONGENTYS and Greater than on Placebo, in Pooled Study 1 and Study 2 Adverse Reactions ONGENTYS 50 mg N=265 % Placebo N=257 % Nervous system disorders Dyskinesia Dizziness 20 3 6 1 Gastrointestinal disorders Constipation Dry mouth 6 3 2 1 Psychiatric disorders Hallucination 1 Insomnia 3 3 1 2 Investigations Blood creatine kinase increased Weight decreased 5 4 2 0 Vascular disorders Hypotension/syncope 2 Hypertension 5 3 1 2 1 Includes hallucinations, hallucinations visual, hallucinations auditory, and hallucinations mixed 2 Includes hypotension, orthostatic hypotension, syncope, and presyncope
6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of ONGENTYS. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish causal relationship to drug exposure. Injury, poisoning and procedural complications: Fall Psychiatric disorder : Confusional state
Warnings
AND PRECAUTIONS Cardiovascular Effects with Concomitant Use of Drugs Metabolized by Catechol-O-Methyltransferase (COMT): May cause arrhythmias, increased heart rate, and excessive changes in blood pressure. Monitor patients when treated concomitantly with products metabolized by COMT. ( 4 , 5.1 )
Falling Asleep During
Activities of Daily Living: Advise patients prior to treatment. ( 5.2 ) Hypotension/Syncope: If occurs, consider discontinuing ONGENTYS or adjusting dosage of other medications that can lower blood pressure. ( 5.3 ) Dyskinesia: May cause or exacerbate dyskinesia; consider levodopa or dopaminergic medication dose reduction. ( 5.4 ) Hallucinations and Psychosis: Consider stopping ONGENTYS if occurs. ( 5.5 )
Impulse Control/Compulsive
Disorders: Consider stopping ONGENTYS if occurs. ( 5.6 ) Withdrawal-Emergent Hyperpyrexia and Confusion: When discontinuing ONGENTYS, monitor patients and consider adjustment of other dopaminergic therapies as needed. ( 5.7 )
5.1 Cardiovascular Effects with Concomitant Use of Drugs Metabol ized by Catechol-O-Methyltransferase (COMT) Possible arrhythmias, increased heart rate, and excessive changes in blood pressure may occur with concomitant use of ONGENTYS and drugs metabolized by COMT (e.g., isoproterenol, epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine, and dobutamine), regardless of the route of administration (including inhalation). Monitor patients treated concomitantly with ONGENTYS and drugs metabolized by COMT <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Contraindications ( 4 ), Drug Interactions ( 7.1 , 7.2 )]</span> .
5.2 Falling Asleep During Activities of Daily Living and Somnolence Patients treated with dopaminergic medications and medications that increase levodopa exposure, including ONGENTYS, have reported falling asleep while engaged in activities of daily living, including the operation of motor vehicles, which sometimes has resulted in accidents. Patients may not perceive warning signs, such as excessive drowsiness, or they may report feeling alert immediately prior to the event. Before initiating treatment with ONGENTYS, advise patients of the potential to develop drowsiness and specifically ask about factors that may increase the risk for somnolence with dopaminergic therapy, such as concomitant sedating medications or the presence of a sleep disorder. If a patient develops daytime sleepiness or episodes of falling asleep during activities that require full attention (e.g., driving a motor vehicle, conversations, eating), consider discontinuing ONGENTYS or adjusting other dopaminergic or sedating medications. If a decision is made to continue ONGENTYS, patients should be advised not to drive and to avoid other potentially dangerous activities.
5.3 Hypotension/Syncope In Study 1 and Study 2 <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Clinical Studies ( 14 )]</span> , hypotension (orthostatic and non-orthostatic), syncope, and presyncope occurred in 5% of patients treated with ONGENTYS 50 mg compared to 1% of patients who received placebo. Monitor patients for hypotension (orthostatic and non-orthostatic) and advise patients about the risk for syncope and presyncope. If these adverse reactions occur, consider discontinuing ONGENTYS or adjusting the dosage of other medications that can lower blood pressure.
5.4 Dyskinesia ONGENTYS potentiates the effects of levodopa <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]</span> and may cause dyskinesia or exacerbate pre-existing dyskinesia. In controlled clinical trials (Study 1 and Study 2) <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Clinical Studies ( 14 )]</span>, dyskinesia occurred in 20% of patients treated with ONGENTYS 50 mg compared to 6% of patients who received placebo. Dyskinesia was also the most common adverse reaction leading to discontinuation of ONGENTYS <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )]</span>. Reducing the patient’s daily levodopa dosage or the dosage of another dopaminergic drug may mitigate dyskinesia that occurs during treatment with ONGENTYS.
5.5 Hallucinations and Psychosis In Study 1 and Study 2, hallucinations (hallucinations, auditory hallucinations, visual hallucinations, mixed hallucinations) occurred in 3% of patients treated with ONGENTYS 50 mg compared to 1% of patients who received placebo. Delusions, agitation, or aggressive behavior occurred in 1% of patients treated with ONGENTYS 50 mg, and in no patient who received placebo. Consider stopping ONGENTYS if hallucinations or psychotic-like behaviors occur. Patients with a major psychotic disorder should ordinarily not be treated with ONGENTYS because of the risk of exacerbating the psychosis with an increase in central dopaminergic tone. In addition, treatments for psychosis that antagonize the effects of dopaminergic medications may exacerbate the symptoms of PD .
5.6 Impulse Control / Compulsive Disorders Patients treated with ONGENTYS can experience intense urges to gamble, increased sexual urges, intense urges to spend money, binge eating, and/or other intense urges, and the inability to control these urges while taking one or more dopaminergic therapies that increase central dopaminergic tone. In some cases, these urges were reported to have stopped when the dose was reduced, or the medication was discontinued. Because patients may not recognize these behaviors as abnormal, it is important for prescribers to specifically ask patients or their caregivers about the development of new or increased gambling urges, sexual urges, uncontrolled spending, or other urges while being treated with ONGENTYS.
In Study
1 and Study 2, impulse control disorders occurred in 1% of patients treated with ONGENTYS 50 mg, and in no patient who received placebo. Re-evaluate the patient’s current therapy(ies) for Parkinson’s disease and consider stopping ONGENTYS if a patient develops such urges while taking ONGENTYS. Use with caution in Parkinson’s patients with suspected or diagnosed dopamine dysregulation syndrome.
5.7 Withdrawal- E mergent Hyperpyrexia and Confusion A symptom complex resembling neuroleptic malignant syndrome (characterized by elevated temperature, muscular rigidity, altered consciousness, and autonomic instability), with no other obvious etiology, has been reported in association with rapid dose reduction, withdrawal of, or changes in drugs that increase central dopaminergic tone. In the controlled clinical studies of ONGENTYS, patients discontinued ONGENTYS treatment without dose tapering or gradual withdrawal. There were no reports of neuroleptic malignant syndrome in ONGENTYS controlled clinical studies. When discontinuing ONGENTYS, monitor patients and consider adjustment of other dopaminergic therapies as needed <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Dosage and Administration ( 2.3 )]</span> .
Drug Interactions
INTERACTIONS
7.1 Non-Selective Monoamine Oxidase (MAO)
Inhibitors
Both ONGENTYS and non-selective MAO inhibitors (e.g., phenelzine, isocarboxazid, and tranylcypromine) inhibit catecholamine metabolism, leading to increased levels of catecholamines. Concomitant use may increase the risk of possible arrhythmias, increased heart rate, and excessive changes in blood pressure. Concomitant use of ONGENTYS with non-selective MAO inhibitors is contraindicated [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . Selective MAO-B inhibitors can be used concomitantly with ONGENTYS.