For Parkinson's disease.
Brand Name(s): Apokyn
Generic Name: Apomorphine
Instructions
This medicine is injected into the skin. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist where on your body this medicine can be injected and how to inject it.
Carefully follow the instructions for preparing this medicine before injection.
The liquid should be clear and colorless.
Check the medicine before each use. If the liquid medicine has any particles in it, appears discolored, or if the vial appears damaged, do not use it.
Keep medicine at room temperature. Protect from light.
Do not store the medicine pen with the needle attached. Always remove the needle after each use.
Never use any medicine that has expired.
If you need to take a second dose, wait at least 2 hours after taking your first dose.
You or a family member can be trained to give this medicine at home.
Do not inject into skin that is red, swollen or itchy.
Change the location of the injection each time. Choose a location at least 1 inch from the last injection.
Do not rub or massage the area where the injection was given.
Tell your doctor if you have severe or persistent sweating, diarrhea or vomiting. These can increase your risk of a serious side effect.
Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.
Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.
Your doctor may prescribe other medications to reduce side effects. Follow instructions carefully.
If you have been on this medicine for more than a week, do not suddenly stop taking it without your doctor's approval. It could worsen your symptoms.
Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.
Cautions
This medicine can be habit-forming. If you use this medicine regularly for a long time, it can lead to withdrawal symptoms when you stop. Please use this medicine only as directed.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.
Some patients taking this medicine have experienced serious side effects. Please speak with your doctor to understand the risks and benefits associated with this medicine.
This medicine is associated with an increased risk of serious heart problems, heart attack, and stroke. Please speak with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medicine. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience chest pain or difficulty breathing.
Do not use the medication any more than instructed.
This medicine may cause dizziness or fainting. Do not stand or sit up quickly.
Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.
If possible, avoid using with alcohol, marijuana, or other medicines that can cause dizziness or drowsiness. These include allergy/cold products, muscle relaxers, sleep aids, and pain relievers.
Call the doctor if there are any signs of confusion or unusual changes in behavior.
After being on this medication, speak with your doctor about any new, unusual or strong thoughts or feelings.
Tell the doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, planning to be pregnant, or breastfeeding.
If you have a painful erection or an erection for more than 4 hours, seek medical care right away.
Ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist how to safely discard unused medicines, needles and syringes.
Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.
Side Effects
The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.
- dizziness or drowsiness
- pain, redness, swelling near injection
- lightheadedness
- nausea and vomiting
- sweating
Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:
- change in behavior
- chest or jaw pain
- changes in memory, mood, or thinking
- swelling of the legs, feet, and hands
- fainting
- hallucinations (unusual thoughts, seeing or hearing things that are not real)
- fast or irregular heart beats
- unusual strong urges - such as increased need to shop, gamble, or have sex
- uncontrollable movement of face, tongue, arms or legs
- muscle aches, spasms or abnormal movements
- shortness of breath
- extreme or persistent sleepiness
- symptoms of stroke (such as one-sided weakness, slurred speech, confusion)
- severe or persistent vomiting
A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.
Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This document tells you briefly how to take your medicine, but it does not tell you all there is to know about it. Your doctor or pharmacist may give you other documents about your medicine. Please talk to them if you have any questions. Always follow their advice.
There is a more complete description of this medicine available in English. Scan this code on your smartphone or tablet or use the web address below. You can also ask your pharmacist for a printout. If you have any questions, please ask your pharmacist.
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More information about APOMORPHINE - INJECTION
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Conditions of Use: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment. The display and use of this drug information is subject to express Terms of Use.