Apokyn, also known by its drug name apomorphine, is a medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2004 to treat intermittent “off” episodes in people with advanced Parkinson’s disease. Here are some key points about Apokyn:
Usage
- Administration: Apokyn is administered via a subcutaneous (under Show Full Answer
Apokyn, also known by its drug name apomorphine, is a medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2004 to treat intermittent “off” episodes in people with advanced Parkinson’s disease. Here are some key points about Apokyn:
Usage
- Administration: Apokyn is administered via a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection in the stomach, upper arm, or upper leg areas. It is injected as needed, every two hours, if you begin having an “off” period.
- First Injection: The first injection of Apokyn will be administered in your doctor’s office. A doctor or nurse will train you or anyone else who will be administering injections on the proper injection technique.
- Dosage: Make sure you understand the correct dosage in milliliters for Apokyn injections. Always follow your doctor’s instructions exactly when taking Apokyn.
Precautions
- Antiemetic: To prevent severe nausea and vomiting, your doctor may prescribe an antiemetic such as trimethobenzamide to take along with Apokyn. Do not use antiemetics with drug names ending in “-setron” (e.g., ondansetron, granisetron, alosetron) as they can cause serious interactions with Apokyn.
- Injection Sites: Always inject Apokyn underneath healthy, normal skin. Never inject into skin that is scarred, bruised, or showing any sign of infection or rash. Keep a list of where you inject Apokyn each time, and do not inject it into the same spot twice in a row.
- Alcohol: Do not drink alcohol while taking Apokyn as it can increase the intensity of some side effects.
- Driving and Machinery: Avoid driving or operating machinery after taking Apokyn.
Side Effects
- Common Side Effects: Yawning, drowsiness, abnormal movements, dizziness upon standing up, sinus infection, nausea, vomiting, hallucinations, confusion, and swelling of extremities.
- Serious Side Effects: In a few people, Apokyn may contribute to causing cardiac problems including angina and heart attack. Rarely, it may contribute to the development of serious lung or heart valve and rhythm problems. Inform your doctor immediately if you experience a fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat; rigid or cramping muscles; fever; chest pain; agitation; hallucinations; slurred speech; or seizures.
Contraindications
- Not Suitable For: People who have previously shown hypersensitivity to apomorphine, sulfa drugs, or sulfites. It must be used with caution in people with asthma, schizophrenia, low blood pressure, liver or kidney problems, electrolyte imbalance, or a history of alcohol addiction, stroke, heart attack, or a cardiac condition called long QT syndrome. It may not be appropriate for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Mechanism
- Action: Apokyn is believed to work by imitating the action of dopamine in the brain.
For more detailed information, you can visit the Apokyn website: [Apokyn — Supernus Pharmaceuticals](http://www.apokyn.com).
July 21
Continue with Facebook
Sign up with your email
