Apokyn (Apomorphine) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 24, 2012

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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 Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using apomorphine (Apokyn)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to apomorphine, or if you are using any of the following medications:

alosetron (Lotronex);
dolasetron (Anzemet);
granisetron (Kytril);
ondansetron (Zofran); or
palonosetron (Aloxi).

Before using apomorphine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood);
a slow heart rate;
a personal or family history of "Long QT syndrome";
a history of stroke or heart attack;
asthma;
liver disease;
kidney disease;
a psychiatric disorder such as schizophrenia; or
low blood pressure.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use apomorphine.

Some people using apomorphine have fallen asleep during normal daytime activities such as working, talking, eating, or driving. You may fall asleep suddenly, even after feeling alert. Tell your doctor if you have any problems with daytime sleepiness or drowsiness. If you are unsure of how this medicine will affect you, be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Apomorphine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use apomorphine (Apokyn)?

Apomorphine is given as an injection under the skin of your stomach, upper arm, or upper thigh. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection. You may be shown how to inject your medicine at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes.

This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Do not inject apomorphine into a vein.

Measuring your apomorphine dose correctly is extremely important. If you use an injector pen with your apomorphine, the medication is measured in milliliters (mL) marked on the pen. However, your prescribed dose may be in milligrams (mg). One milligram, or 1 mg, of apomorphine is equal to 0.1 mL marked on the dosing pen.

Use a different place on your stomach, arm, or thigh each time you give yourself an injection. Do not inject apomorphine into the same place two times in a row.

Use each disposable needle only one time. Throw away used needles in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.

Apomorphine can cause severe nausea and vomiting. For this reason, your doctor may prescribe an anti-nausea medication for you to start taking a few days before you begin using apomorphine. You may also need to keep using the anti-nausea medicine throughout your treatment with apomorphine.

You may have withdrawal symptoms such as fever, muscle stiffness, and feeling light-headed or fainting, when you stop using this medication after using it over a long period of time. Do not stop using apomorphine suddenly without first talking to your doctor. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.

If you stop using apomorphine for a week or longer, ask your doctor before restarting the medication. You may need to restart with a lower dose.

Store this medication at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and light.

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