Do you sometimes feel like you're suddenly paralyzed, unable to move your limbs, and suddenly stop doing what you're doing? This may be a familiar experience for someone with Parkinson's disease. Doctors call these conditions 'off' periods. To be precise, they are times when the effects of the medications you usually take wear off and the symptoms return. Today we're talking about a special medication that can be used to provide quick relief at times like these. That's the Levodopa inhaler.
What is this Levodopa inhaler?
Simply put, this is a medication that is given to control the 'off' states that occur in the severe stages of Parkinson's disease. This is not a daily medication. It is used only when, as mentioned earlier, there is a sudden 'off' state where you cannot move or do anything.
This medicine comes in the form of capsules filled with a powder. These capsules are not good to swallow at all . They need to be used with a special inhaler that comes with it. It's like the inhaler people use for asthma, but this one is different. The famous brand name for this is INBRIJA.
This medicine is not given to children. However, if your doctor decides to give this to a child in a special case, special care should be taken.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
It is very important that your doctor is fully aware of your health condition before prescribing this medicine to you. If you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell your doctor about it.
| Disease or condition | Things to consider |
|---|---|
| Eye diseases | If you have glaucoma. |
| Heart disease | If you have any type of heart disease. |
| Respiratory diseases | If you have lung or respiratory diseases such as asthma. |
| Mental health problems | Any kind of mental illness. |
| Sleep-related problems | Sleep apnea or narcolepsy. |
| Liver, stomach, or intestinal diseases | If there is any disease related to this organ. |
| Allergies | If you have allergies to Levodopa or other medicines, foods, or dyes. |
| Other points | If you drink alcohol frequently, are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or are a breastfeeding mother. |
How to use the inhaler correctly?
It is very important to know exactly how to use this.
Most importantly: Do not swallow these capsules. They are only meant to be placed in the inhaler and the powder released is inhaled.
Read and follow your doctor's instructions and the instructions on the medicine packet carefully. If you have any questions about how to use your inhaler, ask your doctor again. Do not use it more often than prescribed (usually more than 5 times a day). Also, do not stop using it suddenly without your doctor's advice.
What to do if the dose increases?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
This medicine is for you only. Never let anyone else use it.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
Other medications you are taking may interact with this Levodopa inhaler, so it is important to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking.
| Do not use Levodopa with these medications. | |
|---|---|
| MAOI drugs | Medications such as Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate. |
| These drugs can also interact with Levodopa. | |
| Medication for mental illness | Risperidone, haloperidol, amitriptyline, fluoxetine, sertraline, phenothiazines. |
| Medicines for allergies, coughs, and colds (Antihistamines) | Many types of antihistamines. |
| Vitamins containing metals | Iron tablets or multivitamins. |
| Anesthetic drugs | Anesthetic drugs given during surgery. |
| Other medications | Many other drugs such as isoniazid, linezolid, metoclopramide, rasagiline, selegiline. |
This list may not be complete, so be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you take, vitamins, herbal products, smoking, and alcohol use .
Things to keep in mind when using an inhaler
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medication may make you feel drowsy or dizzy. Therefore, do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
- Changing positions: Do not suddenly go from sitting to standing, or from standing to sitting. Especially if you are elderly, change positions frequently. This will reduce the chance of dizziness and falling.
- Sudden sleepiness: This is very important. Some people may suddenly fall asleep without warning while taking this medicine. This can happen while driving, talking, or eating. If this happens to you, tell your doctor right away .
- Uncontrollable urges: Some people may experience uncontrollable urges to gamble, have sex, or spend money unnecessarily while taking this medication. If you experience any of these unusual feelings, tell your doctor right away.
- Alcohol: Avoid drinking alcohol. Alcohol can interfere with the effectiveness of this medication.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this can cause side effects.
| If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor immediately. | |
|---|---|
| Allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. |
| Breathing difficulties | Difficulty breathing. |
| Mental changes | Hallucinations, sudden changes in emotions, uncontrollable impulses (gambling, sex). |
| Other serious symptoms | Abnormal heart rate, changes in vision, eye pain, difficulty urinating, uncontrollable shaking of limbs such as arms, legs, face, and neck, and falling asleep while doing normal activities. |
| If these side effects persist or become bothersome, tell your doctor. | |
| Cough | Coughing during or after using the inhaler. |
| Change in color of body fluids | Urine, saliva, and sweat become dark in color. |
| Other | Headache, nausea. |
How should I store the medicine?
- Keep away from children.
- Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius).
- Keep the capsules in the foil pack until it is time to use them.
- Do not leave the capsule in the inhaler for later use.
- Keep the inhaler and capsules dry.
- When you have used up all the capsules in the medicine box, throw away the old inhaler and use the new inhaler that comes with the new medicine pack.
- Throw away expired medication.
Take-Home Message
- Levodopa inhalers are used for 'off' episodes of Parkinson's disease, not as a daily medication.
- Do not swallow these capsules for any reason. They are for inhalation only.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and any other medical conditions you may have.
- Be aware of unusual side effects such as sudden sleepiness and uncontrollable impulses. If you experience any of these, seek medical advice immediately.
- If you have any concerns about your medication, always talk to your doctor before changing or stopping it.
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