How much does a box of Opicapone cost?

Opicapone (Opicapone) is a prescription drug that inhibits the enzyme catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT). COMT is involved in the degradation of certain neurotransmitters such as dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. Opicapone is used along with carbidopa and levodopa to treat "intermittent" symptoms (stiffness, tremors, muscle spasms, poor muscle control) in people with Parkinson's disease. It's not known whether Opicapone is safe and effective in children.

Opicapone is mainly an oral, selective COMT inhibitor that helps block the COMT enzyme that breaks down levodopa. Levodopa is the gold standard therapy for controlling motor symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease. Opicapone protects levodopa by reducing its breakdown in the blood, allowing more levodopa to reach the brain, prolonging its clinical effects and helping patients achieve motor symptom control.

Patients can take the medication once a day before going to bed, and avoid eating 1 hour before taking the medication and ≥ 1 hour after taking the medication. If a dose is missed, the next dose is usually taken at the scheduled time the next day. The most common adverse reactions (inciding at least 4% and higher than placebo) were dyskinesia, constipation, increased blood creatine kinase, hypotension/syncope, and weight loss.

Currently, the drug Opicapone is not yet available in China, so it cannot be included in the medical insurance system. For patients who need this drug, this will undoubtedly increase their financial expenses. In Europe, the original drug of Opicapone is already on the market, and a box of 90 50 mg pills costs about more than 4,000 yuan (the price may fluctuate due to exchange rate changes). Unfortunately, despite clear market demand, generic versions of Opicapone have not yet been released, leaving patients with relatively limited treatment options. We look forward to more ways to reduce the burden on patients in the future.