Apokyn

Generic name: apomorphine injection
Brand name: Apokyn
Drug class: Dopaminergic anti parkinsonism agents

What is Apokyn?

Apokyn ( apomorphine) is a drug that has similar effects as the chemical dopamine, which is naturally found within your body. Dopamine levels that are low in the brain can be associated with Parkinson’s disease.

Apokyn is a prescribed medication that is used for treating “wearing-off” episodes (muscle stiffness or loss of control over muscles) in patients suffering from advanced Parkinson’s disease.

It isn’t known whether Apokyn is effective and safe for children.¶

Warnings

The risk of serious drug interactions is higher when certain medications are used in conjunction with Apokyn. Be sure to inform your health care providers about the medications you are currently taking as well as any medication you stop or start taking.

Apokyn is not recommended when you are also taking Alosetron (Lotronex) or dolasetron (Anzemet) or Granisetron (Kytril) and ondansetron (Zofran) and palonosetron (Aloxi).

Before you take Apokyn consult your physician if you are suffering from any electrolyte issues (such as low concentrations of magnesium or potassium present in the blood) or a slower heart rate, blood pressure that is low, or dizzy spells. Also, you should mention a diagnosis of “Long QT syndrome,” an occurrence of heart attack or stroke asthma, sulfite allergy, or kidney or liver diseases.

There is a possibility that you will experience increased sexual desires, unusual cravings towards gambling, or other extreme cravings when you are taking this drug. Consult your physician If you suspect you are experiencing any unusual or extreme urge when taking Apokyn.

Before taking this medication, you must consult your physician

It is recommended not to use Apokyn in case you have an allergy to apomorphine.

A variety of drugs interact and produce dangerous side adverse effects. Certain drugs shouldn’t be combined with Apokyn. Your doctor could alter your treatment regimen when you are also using:

• alosetron;
• dolasetron;
• granisetron;
• ondansetron (Zofran); or
• palonosetron.

To be sure Apokyn is safe for you, inform your physician if you’ve ever experienced:

• asthma or an allergy to sulfite
• blood pressure, low and dizzy spells
• Narcolepsy sleeping during the day;
• heart problems, long QT syndrome;
• stroke;
• kidney or liver disease;
• mental illness, psychosis, or
• If you drink alcohol.

Inform your doctor if are nursing or pregnant.

How should I take Apokyn?

Use Apokyn exactly as prescribed to you. Follow the directions on your prescription label, and go through all medication guides and instructions sheets. The doctor might modify your dose.

Apokyn injections are administered into the skin. Your healthcare professional will administer your first dose. They may also instruct you on how to administer the medicine on your own.

Avoid injecting Apokyn into a vein.

Take note of and follow the Instructions for Use that are included along with your medication. Consult your physician or pharmacist to clarify any instructions.

Only inject at the time you are ready to administer it. Don’t use the medicine if it appears unclear, changes color, or contains particles in it. Consult your pharmacist about the latest medication.

Making sure you measure your Apokyn dosage properly is vitally important. The dosage in the apomorphine pen measures in milliliters (mL) written in the pencil. However, the dose you’re prescribed may be milligrams (mg). One milligram or 1 mg of apomorphine is 0.1 milliliters as indicated on the pen used to inject.

Your physician will tell you the best place on your body for you to administer Apokyn. Make sure to inject in a different location every time you administer an injection. Don’t inject the same area twice in one row.

You could be prescribed other medicines to prevent vomiting and nausea. Make sure to take only the medication against nausea recommended by your physician. Certain antinausea medications nausea medications can cause an increase in the adverse effects of apomorphine or cause your Parkinson’s symptoms to become more severe.

Your blood pressure needs to be checked regularly.

Apokyn’s injection pen could create irritation when it is placed in your eyes or your skin. In the event of this, wash with water.

Do not stop taking Apokyn at once or you could experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms like confusion and fever. Discuss with your doctor the best way to completely stop taking this medication.

If you stop using the Apokyn injection for seven days or more, consult your doctor prior to resuming the use of the drug. It is possible that you will need to start using a lower dosage.

Place in a cool, dry place far from heat and moisture.

Make use of a needle and syringe just once, and then put them in a puncture-proof “sharps” container. Make sure you follow local or state laws regarding how to dispose of the container. Keep it out of range of pets and children.

Dosing information

Usual Adult Dose of Apokyn for Parkinson’s Disease:

Dose initiation must be guided by a health professional The antiemetic prescription must be taken prior to starting therapy due to an increased risk of nausea as well as vomiting

Initial dose 2 mg (0.2 milliliters) subcutaneously in the course of an “off” episode
Initial dose: Check the pulse, supine and standing blood pressure prior to dose, 20, 40, and 60 minutes after the dose If significant hypotension is evident 60 minutes after the dose examine the patient again after 60 minutes If significant hypotension is observed after the first dose, patients shouldn’t be considered to be suitable candidates for treatment.

Titration: If the initial dose is a success, but the response isn’t sufficient could be increased by increments of 2 mg up at 6 mg (under medical supervision) or in increments of 1 mg every few days to up three mg (outpatient) in subsequent “off” episodes; allow at least two days between dosages and check reaction until the dose that is effective and tolerated is attained.

Maintenance dose: 2-6 mg subcutaneously throughout the “off” episode; doses are best separated by at minimum 2 hours. The average dose frequency in clinical trials was 3 times a day.
Maximum single dose: 6 mg (0.6 mL)
Maximum dosing frequency: 5 times per day
Maximum daily dose: 20 mg (2 mL) per day

 

What if I miss the dose?

Take the medication as quickly as you are able, but take a break from your missed dosage if it’s nearing the time to take the next dose. Don’t take two doses at once.

If I consume too much?

Get medical attention immediately or contact for help at the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I be aware of when using Apokyn?

Certain people taking Apokyn have experienced sleepiness throughout the day, like working, speaking eating, driving, or talking. Do not drive or operate machinery until understanding the effects of this medication on you. dizziness or excessive drowsiness may cause accidents or falls.

Do not get up too quickly from a lying or sitting place, as you could get dizzy.

Don’t drink alcohol. It could reduce your blood pressure, and could cause an increase in certain adverse effects of apomorphine.

Apokyn Side effects

Take immediate medical attention If you notice symptoms that you are experiencing an allergic reaction Apokyn: hives or itching; breathing difficulty or breathing; swelling of your lips, face, or tongue.

Contact your doctor immediately If you suffer from:

• A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you’ve passed out;
• extreme drowsiness, falling asleep suddenly, even after feeling alert;
• hallucinations, confusion, strange thoughts or behaviors;
• Uncontrollable or jerky movements of your lips, eyes or tongue, arms, face or legs;
• Heartbeats that are fast or rapid, the chest is fluttering and breathlessness and abrupt dizziness (like you’re about to pass out);
• constant sickness as well as the feeling of vomiting (even when taking anti-nausea medications);
• New or worsening cough, discomfort in your chest, and feeling exhausted when lying down;
• Penis erections that are painful or last for four hours or more;
• an increase in your Parkinson symptoms the symptoms of Parkinson’s
• Nervous system reactions that are severe extremely rigid (rigid) muscles with high fever, sweating as well as confusion, quick or irregular heartbeats, tremors or a sensation that makes you feel like you may faint.

The risk of serious side effects is more frequent in older adults.

There is a possibility that you will experience increased sexual cravings, unusual urges for gambling, and any other intense desires while taking this medication. Consult your physician when this happens.

Common side effects of Apokyn be:

• dizziness, drowsiness;
• nausea, vomiting;
• inflammation or pain in your mouth, nose, or throat;
• numbness, tingling, burning pain;
• swelling of your feet or hands;
• confusion, hallucinations;
• yawning;
• runny nose; or
• Muscle movements that are not controlled.

This isn’t a complete list of all side effects. others could happen. Consult your physician to seek medical advice regarding adverse effects. You can report symptoms to FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088.

 

What other drugs can have an effect on Apokyn?

Combining Apokyn with other medications which cause drowsiness can increase the severity of this effect. Consult your physician before taking opioids, a sleeping pill or a muscle relaxer, or any medication to treat an anxiety disorder as well as seizures.

If you take Nitroglycerin (under your tongue) and your blood pressure might drop, and you could be dizzy. Lay down to rest for around 45 minutes, if you can.

Inform your doctor about the medicines you are currently taking. Numerous drugs can affect the apomorphine receptor, including:

• metoclopramide;
• blood pressure or heart-related medication or
• medication to treat mood disorders or mental illnesses like schizophrenia..

The list below is not comprehensive and a variety of other medications could be incompatible with the apomorphine. This includes over-the-counter and prescription drugs, vitamins, and herbal products.

More details

Be sure to keep this and other medications out of reach of children. Never give your medication to anyone else and only use Apokyn as directed by your doctor.

Always consult your physician to confirm that the information provided on this page is applicable to your particular situation.