Parkinsonism:

Indications for: APOKYN

Acute, intermittent treatment of hypomobility, "off" episodes (end-of-dose wearing off and unpredictable on/off episodes) in advanced Parkinson's disease.

Adult Dosage:

See full labeling. Prescribe by specifying volume, not mg. Premedicate with trimethobenzamide (300mg 3 times daily) starting 3 days prior to Apokyn initiation; alternatively, consider starting Apokyn at 0.1mL (1mg) and titrate based on response. Give by SC inj only. Supervise 1st dose (monitor BP); prescribe for outpatient use at a dose at least 0.1mL less than tolerated test dose; usual range 0.1mL to 0.6mL; max 0.6mL/episode and one dose/episode; usual max 5 doses/day (2mL/day). Restart at 0.2mL/dose and re-titrate if therapy interrupted for >1 week. Mild or moderate renal impairment: reduce test and start doses to 0.1mL.

Children Dosage:

Not established.

APOKYN Contraindications:

Concomitant 5HT3 receptor antagonists (eg, alosetron, dolasetron, granisetron, ondansetron, palonosetron). Sulfite allergy.

APOKYN Warnings/Precautions:

Nausea and vomiting: pretreat with trimethobenzamide for up to 2 months (see Adult dosing). Sleep disorders (discontinue if significant daytime sleepiness occurs). Psychosis. Impulse control/compulsive behaviors; consider dose reduction or discontinue if urges develop. Consider discontinuing if hemolytic anemia occurs. Cardio- or cerebrovascular disease. Hepatic or renal impairment. Proarrhythmic conditions (eg, hypokalemia, congenital QT prolongation). Monitor blood pressure. Reevaluate if coronary or cerebral ischemia occurs. Asthma. Elderly. Pregnancy. Nursing mothers.

APOKYN Classification:

Dopamine agonist (non-ergot).

APOKYN Interactions:

See Contraindications. Avoid alcohol. Hypotension potentiated with antihypertensives, vasodilators (esp. nitrates). Sedation potentiated by CNS depressants. Antagonized by dopamine antagonists (eg, antipsychotics, metoclopramide). Caution with concomitant drugs that prolong the QT interval.

Adverse Reactions:

Yawning, dyskinesias, drowsiness, somnolence, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, postural hypotension, rhinorrhea, chest pain/pressure/angina, hallucinations, edema, swelling of extremities, inj site reactions, falling, arthralgia, insomnia, headache, depression, UTIs, anxiety, CHF, limb pain, back pain, Parkinson's disease aggravated, pneumonia, sweating increased, dyspnea, fatigue, ecchymosis, constipation, diarrhea, weakness, dehydration; syncope, priapism, QTc prolongation, hypersensitivity reactions, withdrawal-emergent hyperpyrexia/confusion, fibrotic complications.

Generic Drug Availability:

YES

How Supplied:

Cartridges (w. injector pen) (3mL)—5