Apokyn (Apomorphine) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 10, 2012

Apokyn

Parkinson's Disease »

What is Parkinson's disease?

Parkinson's disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder and the most common movement disorder. It is characterized by progressive loss of muscle control, which leads to trembling of the limbs and head while at rest, stiffness, slowness, and impaired balance. As symptoms worsen, it may become difficult to walk, talk, and complete simple tasks.

The progression of Parkinson's disease and the degree of impairment vary from individual to individual. Many people with Parkinson's disease live long productive lives, whereas others become disabled much more quickly. Premature death is usually due to complications such as falling-related injuries or pneumonia.

In the United States, about 1 million people are affected by Parkinson's disease and worldwide about 5 million. Most individuals who develop Parkinson's disease are 60 years of age or older. Parkinson's disease occurs in approximately 1% of i...

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APOKYN®
(apomorphine hydrochloride) Injection 10 mg/mL

For Subcutaneous Use Only
Not for IV Use

DRUG DESCRIPTION

APOKYN® (apomorphine hydrochloride, USP) is a non-ergoline dopamine agonist. Apomorphine hydrochloride is chemically designated as 6aβ-Aporphine-10,11-diol hydrochloride hemihydrate with a molecular formula of C₁₇H₁₇NO₂•HCl•½H₂O. Its structural formula and molecular weight are:

APOKYN® (apomorphine hydrochloride) Structural Formula Illustration

Apomorphine hydrochloride appears as minute, white or grayish-white glistening crystals or as white powder that is soluble in water at 80°C.

APOKYN® (apomorphine) 10 mg/mL is a clear, colorless, sterile solution for subcutaneous injection and is available in 3 mL cartridges. Each mL of solution contains 10 mg of apomorphine hydrochloride, USP as apomorphine hydrochloride hemihydrate and 1 mg of sodium metabisulfite, NF in water for injection, USP. In addition, each mL of solution may contain sodium hydroxide, NF and/or hydrochloric acid, NF to adjust the pH of the solution and 5 mg/mL of benzyl alcohol, NF as a preservative.

What are the possible side effects of apomorphine (Apokyn)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

nausea or vomiting that continues after taking an anti-nausea medication;
feeling light-headed (especially when you stand up);
falling or passing out;
chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, sweating, general ill feeling;

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What are the precautions when taking apomorphine (Apokyn)?

Before using apomorphine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as sulfites), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: asthma, heart problems (e.g., chest pain, heart attack), slow/fast/irregular heartbeat (e.g., arrhythmia), mental/mood disorders (e.g., confusion, hallucinations, psychosis, schizophrenia), kidney problems, liver problems, symptoms of low blood pressure (e.g., dizziness, fainting), sleep disorder (e.g., sleep apnea, narcolepsy), stroke or other brain problem.

Apomorphine may cause a condition that...

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Last reviewed on RxList: 9/23/2010
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.