Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Apokyn

Generic Name: apomorphine (Pronunciation: a poe MOR feen)

• What is apomorphine (Apokyn)?
• What are the possible side effects of apomorphine (Apokyn)?
• What is the most important information I should know about apomorphine (Apokyn)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using apomorphine (Apokyn)?
• How should I use apomorphine (Apokyn)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Apokyn)?
• What happens if I overdose (Apokyn)?
• What should I avoid while using apomorphine (Apokyn)?
• What other drugs will affect apomorphine (Apokyn)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is apomorphine (Apokyn)?

Apomorphine has some of the same effects as a chemical called dopamine, which occurs naturally in your body. Low levels of dopamine in the brain are associated with Parkinson's disease.

Apomorphine is used to treat "wearing-off" episodes (muscle stiffness, loss of muscle control) in people with advanced Parkinson's disease.

Apomorphine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of apomorphine (Apokyn)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• nausea or vomiting that continues after taking an anti-nausea medication;
• feeling light-headed (especially when you stand up);
• falling or passing out;
• chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, sweating, general ill feeling;
• confusion, hallucinations;
• restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck;
• tremor (uncontrolled shaking); or
• penis erection that is painful or lasts 4 hours or longer.

Less serious side effects may include:

• bruising, itching, or hardening of your skin where the injection was given;
• increased sexual desire;
• depressed mood, headache;
• pale skin, increased sweating;
• warmth, redness, or tingling under your skin;
• dizziness, drowsiness, yawning;
• runny nose;
• swelling in your hands or feet;
• sleep problems (insomnia);
• joint pain; or
• constipation or diarrhea.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about apomorphine (Apokyn)?

Some people using apomorphine have fallen asleep during normal daytime activities such as working, talking, eating, or driving. You may fall asleep suddenly, even after feeling alert. Tell your doctor if you have any problems with daytime sleepiness or drowsiness. If you are unsure of how this medicine will affect you, be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

Do not drink alcohol or use narcotic pain medications, sedatives, tranquilizers, muscle relaxers, or other medicines that can make you sleepy or lower your blood pressure. Dangerous side effects may result.

Apomorphine can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.