About Apokyn: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects
Introduction
Apokyn is a brand name for apomorphine, a dopaminergic antiparkinsonian medication. It is used to treat acute, intermittent episodes of decreased movement in persons with advanced Parkinson's disease (PD), known as "off" episodes. When the effects of oral levodopa wear off or become unpredictable, these episodes can occur. Apokyn mimics the effect of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is diminished in the brains of persons with Parkinson's disease.
How to Apply Apokyn
Apokyn is injected beneath the skin with a specialised pen instrument. It is not administered through a vein. A healthcare provider will provide the first dose and instruct you on how to use the device properly. Apokyn should only be used to treat an abnormal event. It should not be used more than 5 times a day or every 2 hours.
Apokyn dosage is determined by individual reaction and tolerance. The usual starting dose is 0.2 mL (2 mg), which can be gradually increased by 0.1 mL (1 mg) every few days until an effective dose is attained. The maximal dose per injection is 0.6 mL (6 mg).
Apokyn should be administered through injection into the lower belly, upper arm, or outer thigh. To avoid skin irritation or injury, the injection site should be rotated. Apokyn should not be injected into bruised, red, diseased, or scarred skin.
Check the expiration date and the colour of the solution before using Apokyn. It should be colourless and transparent. If it is hazy, discoloured, or includes particles, do not use it.
Apokyn Side Effects
Apokyn can have major adverse effects such as:
Nausea and vomiting are severe. This can be avoided or minimised by taking trimethobenzamide (Tigan), an anti-nausea drug, before each Apokyn dose. Trimethobenzamide should be started three days before the first Apokyn dose and should be continued for at least two months.
Fainting or low blood pressure. This might happen when you first start Apokyn or when you change the dose. Dizziness, lightheadedness, blurred vision, or loss of consciousness are all symptoms. Sit or lie down before injecting Apokyn to lessen the danger, and do not rise up too quickly thereafter.
Sleepiness or falling asleep while performing routine tasks. This might happen suddenly and impede driving or other activities that require alertness. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you have determined how Apokyn affects you.
Strange desires or behaviours. These include heightened sexual desires, gambling, binge eating, and other difficult-to-control obsessive behaviours. Inform your doctor if you notice any of these changes.
Psychosis or hallucinations. These include things like seeing or hearing things that aren't there, having incorrect beliefs, and being paranoid. This is particularly common in the elderly or those suffering from dementia.
Dyskinesia, also known as involuntary movements. Twitching, jerking, twisting, or writhing movements that can affect any portion of the body are examples. Apokyn can aggravate them, necessitating a dose change of levodopa or other Parkinson's drugs.
Reactions at the injection location. Pain, redness, swelling, itching, bruising, bleeding, or infection at the injection site are examples. They can be minimised by rotating the injection site and providing ice or a cold pack afterward.
Apokyn's most common side effects include:
- Yawning
- Nasal congestion
- Hand or foot swelling
- Headache
- Chest ache
- Confusion Fatigue
This is not an exhaustive list of possible adverse effects; more may arise. For medical advice on side effects, contact your doctor.
Interactions and precautions
Tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions before using Apokyn:
- Asthma or sulfite sensitivity
- Heart disease or a stroke history
- A low quantity of potassium or magnesium in your blood A slow heart rate
- Kidney or liver disease
- Psychosis is a type of mental disorder.
- Daytime sleepiness or narcolepsy
- Abuse of alcohol
Inform your doctor about all of your prescriptions, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some medicines can have harmful interactions with Apokyn.
Apokyn should not be used if you are simultaneously taking:
- Lotronex (Alosetron)
- Dolasetron (Anzemet)
- Granisetron (Kytril)
- Ondansetron (Zofran)
- Palonosetron (Aloxi)
These medications can alter Apokyn's action and raise the risk of major adverse effects.
Apokyn may interact with the following medications:
- Antidepressants
- Antipsychotics
- Medications to treat high blood pressure
- Adrenaline agonists
- MAO inhibitors of levodopa
- Sedatives or sleeping medications containing metoclopramide
This is not an exhaustive list of possible drug interactions; more may occur. For more information, consult your doctor or chemist.
Apokyn is a medication used to treat off episodes in persons with severe Parkinson's disease. When needed, it is injected under the skin and works by stimulating dopamine receptors in the brain. Its negative effects might be severe, including nausea, low blood pressure, lethargy, strange cravings, hallucinations, and dyskinesia. It can also interact with a wide range of other medications, particularly those that influence serotonin levels. Apokyn should only be used under the direction of a doctor.
Apokyn frequently asked questions
What is the purpose of Apokyn?
Apokyn is prescribed to persons with advanced Parkinson's disease (PD) to treat off episodes. Off episodes are times when PD symptoms such as muscle stiffness, loss of muscle control, or tremors worsen. Apokyn is taken on an as-needed basis to alleviate these symptoms and increase mobility.
How does Apokyn function?
Apokyn works by mimicking dopamine, a brain neurotransmitter that aids with movement regulation. People with Parkinson's disease have low dopamine levels in their brain, which causes their symptoms. Apokyn activates dopamine receptors in the brain and aids in the restoration of dopamine equilibrium.
How should I use Apokyn?
Apokyn is injected beneath the skin with a specialised pen instrument. After being educated by a healthcare expert, you or your care partner can utilise the gadget. Apokyn should be used only when you are experiencing a relapse of your Parkinson's disease symptoms. It should not be taken more than 5 times a day or every 2 hours.
What are the Apokyn side effects?
Severe nausea and vomiting, low blood pressure or fainting, tiredness or falling asleep during regular tasks, odd cravings or behaviours, hallucinations or psychosis, dyskinesia or involuntary movements, and injection site responses are all possible adverse effects of apokyn. If you have any of these adverse effects or if they disturb you, you should notify your doctor.
What are Apokyn's precautions and interactions?
If you have any medical disorders, such as asthma, heart problems, liver or renal disease, mental illness, or alcohol misuse, you should consult your doctor before using Apokyn. You should also inform your doctor about any medications you are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some medicines can have harmful interactions with Apokyn. Apokyn should not be used if you are also using 5HT3 antagonists, which are anti-nausea drugs. You should also refrain from drinking alcohol while taking Apokyn.
