Why it is Prescribed
Apomorphine is used to treat ''off'' episodes (times of difficulty moving, walking, and speaking that may happen as medication wears off or at random) in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD; a disorder of the nervous system that causes difficulties with movement, muscle control, and balance) who are taking other medications for their disorder. Apomorphine will not work to prevent "off" episodes, but will help improve symptoms when an ''off'' episode has already begun. Apomorphine is in a class of medications called dopamine agonists. Apomorphine works by mimicking the action of dopamine, a natural substance in the brain that is lacking in patients with PD.
How it Works
Apomorphine comes as a solution to inject subcutaneously (just under the skin) and not into a vein. Apomorphine is usually injected when needed, according to your ...
Keep reading...
Why it is Prescribed
Apomorphine is used to treat ''off'' episodes (times of difficulty moving, walking, and speaking that may happen as medication wears off or at random) in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD; a disorder of the nervous system that causes difficulties with movement, muscle control, and balance) who are taking other medications for their disorder. Apomorphine will not work to prevent "off" episodes, but will help improve symptoms when an ''off'' episode has already begun. Apomorphine is in a class of medications called dopamine agonists. Apomorphine works by mimicking the action of dopamine, a natural substance in the brain that is lacking in patients with PD.
How it Works
Apomorphine comes as a solution to inject subcutaneously (just under the skin) and not into a vein. Apomorphine is usually injected when needed, according to your doctor's directions. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use apomorphine exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Your doctor will give you another medication to take when you are using apomorphine. This medication will help decrease your chance of developing upset stomach and vomiting while you are using apomorphine, especially during the beginning of treatment. Your doctor will ask you to begin taking the other medication a few days before you begin to use apomorphine, and to continue taking the other medication for a few months. Do not ...
Keep reading...
Other Uses
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Symptoms of overdose may include:
upset stomach
fainting
dizziness
blurred vision
slow heart beat
Keep reading...
Precautions
Before using apomorphine,
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to apomorphine, sulfa medications, any other medications, or sulfites.
do not use apomorphine if you are taking a 5HT3 (serotonin) blocker such as alosetron (Lotronex), dolasetron (Anzemet), granisetron (Kytril), ondansetron (Zofran), or palonosetron (Aloxi).
tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: allergy, cough and cold medications; amiodarone (Cordarone); antidepressants; antihistamines; cisapride (Propulsid); disopyramide (Norpace); diuretics ('water pills'); dofetilide (Tikosyn); erythromycin (E.E.S., E-Mycin, Erythrocin); haloperidol (Haldol); medications to treat mental illness or upset stomach, heart disease, high blood pressure, pain, or seizures; metoclopramide (Reglan); moxifloxacin (Avelox); muscle relaxants; other medications for Parkinson's disease; ...
Keep reading...
Possible Side Effects
Apomorphine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
upset stomach
vomiting
constipation
diarrhea
headache
yawning
Keep reading...
Special Dietary Concerns
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
Storage Conditions
Keep this medication in the cartridge it came in and out of reach of children. Store the cartridge and injector pen in the carrying case, at room temperature away from dust, moisture (not in the bathroom) and cold or hot temperatures. Never store the pen with a needle attached. Throw away any medication cartridge that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
