Does someone in your family, perhaps your mother, father, or a loved one, suffer from Parkinson's disease? Then you probably know that sometimes their body suddenly becomes stiff , they start shaking, and they can't do anything. It's like a car suddenly stalling. Today we're talking about a special injection that is used to provide quick relief from these so-called "off-periods." That's the Apomorphine injection.
What is Apomorphine?
Simply put, Apomorphine is a medication used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. It works in a similar way to a chemical called dopamine in our brain. Did you know that Parkinson's disease is caused by the loss of cells in our brain that produce this chemical called dopamine. This dopamine helps control our body's movements and coordination.
So, when there is not enough dopamine, the symptoms like stiffness and tremors appear. The apomorphine injection works like dopamine, temporarily filling that deficiency, and helping to restore the body's movements. This is usually found on the market under the name Apokyn .
Imagine that Parkinson's disease has left your body stuck, like a locked door without a key. The apomorphine injection is like a special key that opens that door. It quickly gets your body back to normal. But it can also be used for other things, so if you have any questions, ask your doctor.
Things to tell your doctor before using this medicine
Before giving you this medicine, your doctor will need to know your complete health history. This is because some conditions require special care when using this medicine. Be sure to tell your doctor about any of the following:
- If you have asthma.
- If you have a tendency to sleep frequently during the day or fall asleep suddenly.
- If you are a frequent drinker .
- If you have had a stroke before.
- If you have heart disease .
- If you have a history of always falling into trouble .
- If there is an irregular heartbeat or a change in rhythm.
- If you have kidney or liver disease .
- If you have low blood pressure .
- If you have mental health problems (such as depression).
- If you have previously had an allergic reaction to apomorphine, sulfites, or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant .
- If you are a mother who is breastfeeding .
Providing this information accurately to your doctor is very important for your safety.
How to use the vaccine correctly?
This is a subcutaneous injection. When you start taking this medicine, your doctor or nurse will give you detailed instructions on how to prepare the injection and how to inject it yourself. It is very important to follow these instructions exactly.
- Use exactly as your doctor tells you: Do not use more than the prescribed dose or frequency.
- Don't stop taking this medicine suddenly: Don't stop taking this medicine unless your doctor tells you to. Stopping it suddenly can cause serious side effects and make your condition worse.
- Dispose of needles and syringes safely: Never throw used needles and syringes in the trash. They should be placed in a special sharps container provided. If you don't have one, you can ask your doctor for one.
- Read the instruction leaflet: Read the instruction leaflet that comes with this medicine carefully. If you have any questions, ask your doctor.
What if I overdose?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, immediately go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Therefore, never share it with anyone else.
What other medications should not be used with this medicine?
Some medications can interact with apomorphine and cause serious problems. Therefore, you should tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements.
| Drug category | Description and examples |
|---|---|
| Medicines that should definitely not be taken | |
| Some medications for nausea/vomiting | For example: dolasetron, granisetron, ondansetron, palonosetron |
| Other medications | Dronedarone, Ketoconazole, Levoketoconazole, Pimozide, Thioridazine |
| Things to use with caution/potential interactions | |
| Alcohol | Side effects are strongly influenced by the increase. |
| Medication for anxiety or sleep | For example: Benzodiazepines such as alprazolam, diazepam, lorazepam |
| Some blood pressure medications | Be sure to ask your doctor about this. |
| Nitroglycerin | Blood pressure can drop dangerously low (this is explained below). |
| Other medications | Haloperidol, Metoclopramide, Opioids, other medications that affect heart rhythm, Phenothiazines. |
This list is not complete, so it's best to tell your doctor about everything you take.
Things to keep in mind when taking this vaccine
There are several things to consider regarding your safety while using this medication.
See the doctor often.
See your doctor regularly to check your condition and see if your symptoms improve or worsen. If your symptoms do not improve or get worse, tell your doctor .
Nausea and vomiting
This medicine can cause nausea and vomiting, sometimes it can be quite severe. Your doctor will prescribe another medicine for this. Do not take any medicine for nausea on your own. This is because some medicines for nausea can interact with apomorphine.
Drowsiness and driving
This medicine may affect your coordination and reaction time. Therefore, until you know exactly how this medicine affects you , avoid doing activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery. Also, stand up slowly when you stand up suddenly, or when you get up from a sitting position. Otherwise, you may feel dizzy and lightheaded. This risk is even greater if you drink alcohol.
Important! When taking this medicine, some people may suddenly fall asleep without warning . This can happen while driving, talking, or eating. If this happens to you, tell your doctor right away.
Reaction with nitroglycerin
If you are taking nitroglycerin for heart disease, you need to be very careful. Taking it with this medicine can cause your blood pressure to drop very low. This can cause dizziness, fainting, and possible falls.
So if you need to take nitroglycerin,
1. First, lie down.
2. Then place the tablet under your tongue.
3. Remain lying down for at least 45 minutes.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, apomorphine can cause side effects. Some are serious, some are common.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Severe allergic reactions (Allergic reactions or angioedema) | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, hands or feet, difficulty swallowing or breathing. |
| Chest pain (Angina) | Feeling pain, tightness, or pressure in the chest, neck, back, or arms. |
| Falling asleep suddenly | Falling asleep without warning while working during the day. |
| Hallucinations | Seeing or hearing things that are not there. |
| Symptoms of a heart attack | Chest, shoulder, arm or jaw pain, nausea, difficulty breathing, cold sweats, dizziness. |
| Changes in heart rate | Fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, fainting, chest pain. |
| Hemolytic anemia | Unusual tiredness, dizziness, headache, difficulty breathing, dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes. |
| Unusual behavior patterns | An uncontrollable urge to gamble, overeat, engage in sexual activity, or spend money unnecessarily. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Dizziness, drowsiness | These can occur commonly. |
| Nausea, vomiting | It is common in the early stages of starting the medication. |
| Runny nose or stuffy nose | It may feel like symptoms of a cold. |
| Swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet | It may be due to fluid retention in the body. |
If you experience any other side effects not listed on this list, please inform your doctor.
How do you store and dispose of medication?
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius).
- Do not use expired medicine.
- When disposing of unused or expired medications, ask your doctor about a safe method.
Take-Home Message
- Apomorphine injection is a medication that provides quick relief from the sudden onset of rigidity and tremors ("off-periods") in Parkinson's disease.
- Always tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking and any other medical conditions you have.
- Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. Remember that you may feel sleepy suddenly.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience serious side effects such as chest pain, severe allergic reactions, or changes in heart rate.
- Always dispose of used needles and syringes safely in a special "sharps container".


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