Open study of Madopar HBS, a new formulation of levodopa with benserazide, in 13 patients with Parkinson's disease and 'on-off' fluctuations.

In a open study in 13 patients with Parkinson's disease with 'on-off' fluctuations, all (n = 3) or part (n = 10) of the usual intake of levodopa (with peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor) was replaced by Madopar HBS for 5-122 days (median 35). Time 'off' increased in 2 of the 3 monotherapy subjects. With combined therapy, time 'on' was increased in 6, unchanged in 2 and reduced in 2. However, 11 of the 13 patients complained of reduced predictability of clinical response with Madopar HBS. Only 4 of the 13 patients preferred to continue with combined standard plus HBS treatment; this continued treatment led to an increase in time 'on' in 3 and a decrease in involuntary movements in 3 patients. Two of these four patients benefited on both counts.