APO-go för POD: Uses, Dosage & Side Effects

A continuous subcutaneous infusion system delivering apomorphine hydrochloride for sustained control of motor fluctuations in advanced Parkinson’s disease

Rx ATC: N04BC07 Dopamine Agonist
Active Ingredient
Apomorphine hydrochloride
Available Forms
Solution for infusion in cartridge (5 mg/ml)
Strengths
5 mg/ml in cylindrical cartridge
Manufacturer
STADA Arzneimittel AG

APO-go för POD (apomorphine hydrochloride 5 mg/ml) is a continuous subcutaneous infusion system designed for the treatment of motor fluctuations in advanced Parkinson’s disease. The POD (Patient On Demand) pump delivers a steady flow of apomorphine — a potent dopamine agonist — under the skin throughout the waking hours, providing sustained dopaminergic stimulation that smooths out the unpredictable “on-off” swings experienced by patients whose oral medications no longer provide adequate control. Unlike intermittent rescue injections, the continuous infusion approach reduces pulsatile stimulation of dopamine receptors, which may help decrease the total daily “off” time and allow reduction of oral levodopa doses. Despite its name, apomorphine is not an opioid and does not contain morphine. APO-go för POD is a specialist-initiated therapy that requires co-administration with the antiemetic domperidone and careful clinical monitoring.

Quick Facts: APO-go för POD

Active Ingredient
Apomorphine HCl
Drug Class
Dopamine Agonist
ATC Code
N04BC07
Common Uses
Advanced PD Motor Fluctuations
Available Forms
SC Infusion (5 mg/ml)
Prescription Status
Rx Only (Specialist)

Key Takeaways

  • APO-go för POD delivers apomorphine hydrochloride as a continuous subcutaneous infusion via a wearable pump, providing sustained dopaminergic stimulation that reduces “off” time and smooths motor fluctuations in advanced Parkinson’s disease.
  • The continuous infusion approach differs fundamentally from intermittent injections (APO-go PEN) by maintaining steadier plasma levels, potentially reducing dyskinesia and allowing reduction of total daily levodopa dose by up to 50% in some patients.
  • Treatment with domperidone (an antiemetic) must begin at least 2 days before starting APO-go för POD, and an ECG is required before initiation to screen for QT prolongation — the therapy is contraindicated in patients with long QT syndrome.
  • Injection site reactions (nodules, induration, erythema) are the most common local side effect of continuous infusion; regular rotation of infusion sites and ultrasound guidance may help minimize their occurrence and severity.
  • Impulse control disorders — including pathological gambling, hypersexuality, compulsive spending, and binge eating — may develop with dopamine agonist therapy; patients and caregivers should monitor for behavioral changes and report them promptly.

What Is APO-go för POD and What Is It Used For?

Quick Answer: APO-go för POD is a continuous subcutaneous infusion system that delivers apomorphine hydrochloride (5 mg/ml) through a small wearable pump. It is used to treat motor fluctuations in advanced Parkinson’s disease when oral medications no longer provide reliable control of symptoms throughout the day.

APO-go för POD contains apomorphine hydrochloride at a concentration of 5 mg/ml, supplied in cylindrical cartridges designed for use with the POD pump system. Apomorphine belongs to the dopamine agonist class of medications and is one of the most potent dopamine receptor stimulators available for clinical use. It directly activates both D1-like and D2-like dopamine receptors in the brain’s striatum, the region responsible for coordinating voluntary movement. By acting directly on these receptors, apomorphine bypasses the need for the neuronal conversion steps required by levodopa, making it effective even when the capacity for levodopa conversion is severely diminished in advanced disease.

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting approximately 1–2% of people over 60 years of age worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. The disease is characterized by the progressive loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. As dopamine levels fall, patients develop the hallmark motor symptoms: resting tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), and postural instability. The mainstay treatment, levodopa, is initially highly effective. However, after several years of treatment, many patients develop motor complications — fluctuations between periods of good motor control (“on” states) and periods of impaired mobility, freezing, or complete immobility (“off” states).

These motor fluctuations become increasingly unpredictable and debilitating as the disease advances. Patients may experience multiple “off” episodes per day, each lasting from minutes to hours. During these episodes, patients may be unable to walk, speak clearly, or perform basic self-care activities. The fluctuations arise partly from the pulsatile nature of oral levodopa delivery — the drug’s short half-life (approximately 1.5 hours) causes plasma levels to repeatedly peak and trough, leading to intermittent stimulation of dopamine receptors rather than the continuous stimulation that the healthy brain normally provides.

APO-go för POD addresses this fundamental problem by delivering apomorphine continuously under the skin throughout the day. The steady infusion maintains more stable plasma drug levels, providing consistent dopaminergic stimulation that more closely mimics physiological dopamine release. Clinical studies, including the landmark TOLEDO randomized controlled trial published in The Lancet Neurology (2017), have demonstrated that continuous subcutaneous apomorphine infusion significantly reduces daily “off” time (by approximately 2.5 hours compared with placebo), increases “on” time without troublesome dyskinesia, and allows many patients to reduce their total daily levodopa dose. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recognize continuous apomorphine infusion as a well-established, evidence-based therapy for advanced Parkinson’s disease.

Not an Opioid

Despite having “morphine” in its chemical name, apomorphine is not an opioid. Its name reflects only its chemical derivation from morphine in the laboratory. Apomorphine acts exclusively as a dopamine agonist and carries no risk of opioid-type addiction, respiratory depression, or sedation. This is a common source of confusion for patients and caregivers.

The POD system itself is a compact, lightweight wearable pump that patients attach to their body (typically on a belt or in a pocket). The pump draws apomorphine solution from the inserted cartridge and delivers it through a thin infusion set with a subcutaneous cannula, usually placed in the abdominal wall or upper thigh. The infusion rate is programmed by the treating specialist physician and can be adjusted to match the patient’s individual needs. Most patients use the infusion during waking hours only (typically 12–16 hours per day), disconnecting the pump at night, although some patients with significant nocturnal symptoms may benefit from 24-hour infusion at a reduced overnight rate.

What Should You Know Before Using APO-go för POD?

Quick Answer: APO-go för POD is contraindicated in patients with respiratory depression, dementia, psychotic disorders, severe hepatic impairment, or those receiving ondansetron or other 5-HT3 antagonists. An ECG and domperidone pre-treatment are mandatory before starting therapy. The treatment must be initiated under specialist supervision in a hospital or clinic setting.

Contraindications

APO-go för POD must not be used if you have a known hypersensitivity to apomorphine hydrochloride or any of the excipients in the formulation. The product contains sodium metabisulfite, which can cause allergic-type reactions including anaphylaxis and bronchospasm in susceptible individuals, particularly those with a history of asthma or sulfite sensitivity. This is an important consideration that your specialist will assess before prescribing the medication.

Specific medical conditions that absolutely preclude the use of APO-go för POD include respiratory depression, where the breathing drive is already compromised; dementia, as the drug may worsen cognitive function and cause confusion; psychotic disorders, because apomorphine’s dopaminergic activity may exacerbate psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions; and severe hepatic (liver) impairment, which impairs the body’s ability to metabolize and eliminate the drug safely. Additionally, APO-go för POD is contraindicated in patients concurrently receiving ondansetron or other 5-HT3 receptor antagonists (commonly used as anti-nausea medications in chemotherapy settings), as this combination can cause profound hypotension and loss of consciousness.

Warnings and Precautions

Before starting APO-go för POD, your doctor must perform an electrocardiogram (ECG) to check your heart rhythm. This is essential because both apomorphine and the antiemetic domperidone (which is co-prescribed) can prolong the QT interval on the ECG — a change that, if excessive, may increase the risk of serious cardiac arrhythmias. Treatment must not begin if you or a family member has long QT syndrome. ECG monitoring is repeated during the early days of treatment and at intervals thereafter as determined by your specialist.

Domperidone pre-treatment is mandatory. This antiemetic must be started at least 2 days before the first dose of APO-go för POD and continued for a recommended period (often several weeks, sometimes longer) to control the nausea and vomiting that apomorphine almost invariably causes during treatment initiation. Domperidone works by blocking dopamine receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone, a brain region outside the blood-brain barrier, so it does not interfere with the anti-Parkinson effect of apomorphine within the brain itself.

Orthostatic hypotension (a drop in blood pressure upon standing) is a common effect of apomorphine therapy. Patients should be advised to rise slowly from sitting or lying positions, especially during the initial dose-titration period. Blood pressure should be monitored regularly, particularly in patients already taking antihypertensive medications or those with pre-existing cardiovascular disease. In some cases, the dose of concurrent antihypertensive drugs may need to be reduced.

Impulse Control Disorders

Dopamine agonists, including apomorphine, have been associated with the development of impulse control disorders. These may include pathological gambling, increased libido or hypersexuality, compulsive spending or shopping, and binge eating or compulsive eating. Patients and their caregivers should be made aware of these potential behavioral changes. If such symptoms develop, dose reduction or treatment discontinuation should be considered. Report any unusual behavioral changes to your doctor immediately.

Apomorphine can cause somnolence (drowsiness) and, in some cases, sudden onset of sleep. Patients should be warned about these possibilities and advised not to drive or operate machinery if they experience drowsiness or sudden sleep episodes. This is particularly relevant for patients who continue to work or engage in activities requiring alertness.

Injection site reactions are a well-recognized consequence of continuous subcutaneous infusion. Over time, patients may develop subcutaneous nodules (panniculitis), skin induration, erythema, or tenderness at infusion sites. Regular rotation of infusion sites — ideally using a different site each day — is essential to minimize these effects. Ultrasound assessment of subcutaneous tissue can help identify areas of nodule formation, and your nurse specialist may recommend techniques such as gentle massage or the application of silicone patches to affected areas.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of apomorphine use during human pregnancy. Animal studies have shown adverse effects on embryo-fetal development at high doses. APO-go för POD should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit to the mother justifies the potential risk to the fetus. The decision should be made jointly by the patient, her neurologist, and her obstetrician, considering the severity of the mother’s Parkinson’s disease and the availability of alternative therapies.

It is not known whether apomorphine is excreted in human breast milk. Given the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, a decision should be made whether to discontinue breastfeeding or to discontinue APO-go för POD, taking into account the importance of the treatment to the mother. The European Medicines Agency recommends that breastfeeding be avoided during apomorphine therapy.

How Does APO-go för POD Interact with Other Drugs?

Quick Answer: APO-go för POD has important interactions with 5-HT3 antagonists (ondansetron — absolutely contraindicated), clozapine, antihypertensive drugs, and QT-prolonging medications. It is used together with levodopa and domperidone, but doses of other Parkinson’s drugs may need adjustment after starting continuous infusion.

Drug interactions with apomorphine can be pharmacodynamic (affecting how the body responds to the drug) or pharmacokinetic (affecting how the body processes the drug). Because patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease typically take multiple medications, the potential for interactions is considerable. Your specialist team will carefully review your entire medication list before initiating APO-go för POD therapy and will continue to monitor for interaction-related adverse effects throughout treatment.

Major Interactions

Major Drug Interactions Requiring Careful Management
Drug / Class Interaction Clinical Action
Ondansetron (5-HT3 antagonists) Profound hypotension and loss of consciousness reported Absolutely contraindicated — must not be used together
Clozapine Mutual antagonism of dopaminergic effects; clozapine blocks dopamine receptors Avoid combination; may worsen Parkinson’s symptoms
QT-prolonging drugs Additive QT prolongation increasing risk of cardiac arrhythmias (torsades de pointes) ECG monitoring; avoid combination if possible; includes certain antipsychotics, macrolide antibiotics, and antiarrhythmics
Antihypertensive agents Additive hypotensive effect; risk of symptomatic postural hypotension Monitor blood pressure closely; may need to reduce antihypertensive dose

Minor Interactions

Minor Drug Interactions and Considerations
Drug / Class Interaction Clinical Action
Levodopa / carbidopa Additive dopaminergic effect; may increase dyskinesia Levodopa dose often reduced (by 20–50%) after starting continuous infusion; adjust under specialist supervision
Other dopamine agonists Additive dopaminergic stimulation May need dose reduction of oral dopamine agonists; monitor for excessive dopaminergic side effects
Domperidone Used therapeutically to counteract apomorphine-induced nausea; both prolong QT interval Use lowest effective dose of domperidone; ECG monitoring required; aim to withdraw domperidone once tolerance develops
Alcohol Additive sedation and hypotension Patients should be advised to minimize or avoid alcohol consumption during apomorphine therapy

Patients should always inform their specialist physician, pharmacist, and any other healthcare providers about all medications they are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, and vitamins. Even seemingly innocuous medications may interact with apomorphine or affect the management of Parkinson’s disease. Any new medication should ideally be discussed with the movement disorder specialist before starting it.

What Is the Correct Dosage of APO-go för POD?

Quick Answer: APO-go för POD continuous infusion is individually titrated under specialist supervision. Typical starting rates are 1 mg/hour, gradually increased to a maintenance range of 1–4 mg/hour (occasionally up to 7 mg/hour). The infusion usually runs during waking hours (12–16 hours/day). Maximum recommended daily dose is 100 mg.

Dosing of APO-go för POD is strictly individualized and must be initiated, titrated, and monitored by a physician experienced in the treatment of advanced Parkinson’s disease (typically a movement disorder specialist or neurologist). There is no standard “one size fits all” dose — each patient’s infusion rate is carefully adjusted based on their clinical response, tolerability, and the severity of their motor fluctuations. The prescribing information emphasizes that treatment should ideally be started in a hospital or clinic environment where the patient can be closely monitored during the initial titration phase.

Adults

Initiation Phase (Hospital/Clinic Setting)

Begin domperidone at least 2 days before starting the infusion. The infusion is typically started at 1 mg/hour (0.2 ml/hour of the 5 mg/ml solution). The rate is then increased in increments of no more than 0.5 mg/hour every 4 hours or longer, based on clinical response and tolerability. The patient remains under observation for blood pressure, heart rate, ECG, and adverse effects during this phase.

Maintenance Phase

Most patients achieve adequate control at infusion rates between 1 and 4 mg/hour (0.2–0.8 ml/hour). Some patients may require rates of up to 7 mg/hour. The infusion is typically run during waking hours only (approximately 12–16 hours per day), with the pump disconnected during sleep. The maximum recommended daily dose is 100 mg. During the maintenance phase, the total daily levodopa dose can often be reduced, sometimes by 20–50%, under specialist guidance.

24-Hour Infusion (Selected Patients)

In patients with significant nocturnal symptoms (restless legs, early-morning “off” periods, painful dystonia), the specialist may recommend continuing the infusion overnight at a reduced rate. This decision requires careful clinical assessment and additional monitoring. The overnight rate is typically 50–75% of the daytime rate.

Children

APO-go för POD is not indicated for use in children and adolescents under 18 years of age. Parkinson’s disease is almost exclusively an adult-onset condition. There are no clinical data supporting the safety or efficacy of continuous subcutaneous apomorphine infusion in pediatric populations. Extremely rare juvenile-onset parkinsonian syndromes are managed by highly specialized centers with different therapeutic approaches.

Elderly

No specific dose adjustment is required solely on the basis of age. However, elderly patients are more susceptible to the hypotensive effects of apomorphine and may have reduced hepatic and renal function that affects drug metabolism. Additionally, older patients may be taking more concurrent medications, increasing the risk of drug interactions. Therefore, the initial titration should proceed with particular caution in elderly patients, with smaller incremental dose increases and more frequent blood pressure monitoring. The lowest effective infusion rate should be targeted.

Missed Dose

If the infusion is interrupted for a short period (such as for showering or changing the infusion set), it can usually be resumed at the same rate without adjustment. If the infusion has been stopped for a prolonged period (more than a few hours) or overnight (as in the usual waking-hours-only regimen), simply restart at the prescribed rate when appropriate. If the infusion has been interrupted for more than 24–48 hours, your specialist may advise restarting at a lower rate and re-titrating, as some tolerance to the effects of apomorphine may have been lost.

Overdose

What Are the Side Effects of APO-go för POD?

Quick Answer: The most common side effects of APO-go för POD are injection site reactions (nodules, redness, induration), nausea, drowsiness, dyskinesia, and dizziness. Serious but less common effects include severe hypotension, hallucinations, impulse control disorders, and hemolytic anemia. Most side effects are manageable with appropriate medical care and monitoring.

Like all medicines, APO-go för POD can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. The side effect profile of continuous subcutaneous apomorphine infusion is well characterized from decades of clinical use and multiple clinical trials, including the TOLEDO trial. Many side effects are related to the dopaminergic mechanism of action and are therefore predictable and manageable. Injection site reactions are particularly common with continuous infusion and require proactive management. Your specialist team will discuss the most important potential side effects with you before starting treatment and will provide ongoing monitoring throughout your therapy.

Very Common

May affect more than 1 in 10 people

  • Injection site reactions — nodules (subcutaneous lumps), induration (hardening), erythema (redness), tenderness, and itching at infusion sites; these are the hallmark local side effect of continuous subcutaneous infusion
  • Nausea — especially during initiation and dose titration; controlled with domperidone pre-treatment
  • Dyskinesia — involuntary movements that may worsen during “on” periods; often managed by reducing levodopa dose
  • Somnolence — drowsiness and increased sleepiness; may improve with continued use

Common

May affect up to 1 in 10 people

  • Dizziness and lightheadedness — often related to orthostatic hypotension
  • Orthostatic hypotension — drop in blood pressure upon standing; may cause faintness
  • Yawning — a dopaminergic effect that is generally harmless
  • Hallucinations — visual or auditory; more common in elderly patients and those with cognitive impairment
  • Confusion — disorientation or difficulty thinking clearly
  • Vomiting — particularly during initial dose titration
  • Peripheral edema — swelling of the ankles, feet, or legs

Uncommon

May affect up to 1 in 100 people

  • Hemolytic anemia — destruction of red blood cells; requires regular blood monitoring (Coombs test)
  • Impulse control disorders — pathological gambling, hypersexuality, compulsive shopping, binge eating
  • Sudden onset of sleep — falling asleep without warning during daily activities
  • Injection site abscess — infection at infusion sites requiring antibiotics or drainage
  • Eosinophilia — elevated eosinophil count in blood tests

Rare

May affect up to 1 in 1,000 people

  • Dopamine dysregulation syndrome — compulsive overuse of dopaminergic medication beyond what is clinically needed
  • Severe allergic reactions — including reactions to sodium metabisulfite in the formulation
  • QT prolongation — abnormal heart rhythm finding on ECG, particularly when combined with other QT-prolonging drugs

Not Known

Frequency cannot be estimated from available data

  • Neuroleptic malignant-like syndrome — a rare but potentially life-threatening reaction if apomorphine is abruptly withdrawn; symptoms include high fever, muscle rigidity, and altered consciousness
  • Aggression and agitation — reported in post-marketing surveillance
Managing Injection Site Reactions

Because injection site nodules are the most common and often most troublesome local effect of continuous infusion, proactive management is essential. Strategies include: rotating infusion sites daily (using a systematic pattern across the abdomen and thighs), using ultrasound to identify areas of existing nodule formation before placing cannulas, applying gentle massage to previous sites, maintaining good skin hygiene, and in some cases using diluted apomorphine solutions. Your Parkinson’s disease nurse specialist can provide personalized guidance on site care and rotation techniques.

If you experience any side effects, including those not listed above, tell your doctor, Parkinson’s disease nurse specialist, or pharmacist. You can also report side effects directly to your national pharmacovigilance authority. By reporting side effects, you help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

How Should You Store APO-go för POD?

Quick Answer: Store unopened cartridges at or below 25°C (77°F) in the original packaging to protect from light. Do not freeze. Once inserted into the pump and in use, cartridges should be used within 48 hours. Discard any solution that appears green, cloudy, or contains particles.

Proper storage of APO-go för POD cartridges is essential to maintain the stability, sterility, and efficacy of the apomorphine solution. Apomorphine hydrochloride is sensitive to light and oxidation, which is why the product must be stored in its original outer carton to protect it from light exposure. The solution should be kept at a temperature not exceeding 25°C (77°F). Do not refrigerate or freeze the cartridges, as extreme temperatures may damage the solution or the cartridge mechanism.

Before using a cartridge, always inspect the solution visually. Apomorphine solution should be clear and colorless. If the solution has developed a green tinge (indicating oxidation), appears cloudy, or contains visible particles or precipitates, it must not be used and should be disposed of according to local regulations for pharmaceutical waste. A green discoloration is a clear sign that the apomorphine has degraded and is no longer safe or effective to administer.

Once a cartridge has been inserted into the POD pump and the infusion started, it should be used within 48 hours. After this time, any remaining solution in the cartridge should be discarded, even if it still appears clear and colorless, and a fresh cartridge should be loaded. This 48-hour in-use limit ensures that the solution remains sterile and chemically stable during the infusion period.

Keep APO-go för POD cartridges out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use the product after the expiry date printed on the outer carton and cartridge label. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Do not dispose of unused medications via wastewater or household waste — ask your pharmacist about appropriate disposal methods to protect the environment.

What Does APO-go för POD Contain?

Quick Answer: Each milliliter of APO-go för POD solution contains 5 mg of apomorphine hydrochloride hemihydrate as the active ingredient. Excipients include sodium metabisulfite (antioxidant), hydrochloric acid (pH adjustment), and water for injections.

The active substance in APO-go för POD is apomorphine hydrochloride hemihydrate. Each milliliter of solution for infusion contains 5 mg of apomorphine hydrochloride (expressed as the hemihydrate salt). The cylindrical cartridges are designed for use exclusively with the APO-go POD pump system and contain a specified volume of solution (the exact fill volume is indicated on the product packaging).

The other ingredients (excipients) serve specific pharmaceutical functions to ensure the stability, sterility, and tolerability of the product:

  • Sodium metabisulfite (E223) — acts as an antioxidant to prevent the oxidation of apomorphine, which is chemically susceptible to degradation when exposed to air and light. Note that sodium metabisulfite can cause allergic-type reactions in susceptible individuals, particularly those with asthma.
  • Hydrochloric acid (dilute) — used to adjust the pH of the solution to the optimal range for stability and subcutaneous tolerability.
  • Water for injections — the solvent vehicle for the formulation, meeting pharmaceutical-grade purity standards.

The solution does not contain preservatives, latex, or gluten. It does not contain morphine or any opioid substances. The absence of preservatives is the reason for the 48-hour in-use limit once the cartridge is opened and connected to the pump system. The sodium content per cartridge is minimal and clinically insignificant, even for patients on sodium-restricted diets.

The POD pump device itself is a separate medical device and is not part of the APO-go för POD medicinal product. The pump, infusion sets, cannulas, and associated accessories are supplied separately and should be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions for the device.

Frequently Asked Questions About APO-go för POD

    APO-go PEN is designed for intermittent “rescue” injections — a single dose injected under the skin when an “off” episode occurs, providing rapid but temporary relief lasting approximately 1 hour. APO-go för POD, by contrast, delivers a continuous infusion of apomorphine throughout the day via a wearable pump, providing sustained dopaminergic stimulation that reduces the total number and duration of “off” episodes. The POD system is typically prescribed for patients with more frequent or prolonged off periods who need continuous rather than episodic treatment. The PEN contains 10 mg/ml, while the POD cartridge contains 5 mg/ml.

    Yes, APO-go för POD is typically used alongside existing oral Parkinson’s medications, including levodopa. However, once the continuous infusion is established and providing good symptomatic control, your specialist will often reduce the doses of your oral medications — particularly levodopa — to minimize side effects such as dyskinesia. Some patients are able to reduce their levodopa dose by 20–50%, and in rare cases, levodopa can be discontinued entirely, though this is not common. All dose adjustments must be made under specialist supervision.

    Most patients use the APO-go för POD pump during waking hours only, typically for 12 to 16 hours per day. The pump is usually disconnected at bedtime and reconnected in the morning. Some patients with significant overnight symptoms (such as painful dystonia, restless legs, or early-morning “off” periods) may benefit from 24-hour infusion at a reduced overnight rate. Your movement disorder specialist will determine the optimal infusion duration based on your individual needs and symptom pattern.

    Subcutaneous nodules are very common with continuous infusion. To minimize them, rotate your infusion site systematically (using a different area each day across the abdomen and thighs), avoid placing the cannula in areas that already have nodules, maintain good skin hygiene, and gently massage previously used sites. Your Parkinson’s disease nurse specialist can perform ultrasound assessments to map nodule areas and recommend the best cannula placement. In severe cases, silicone patches or changing the needle type may help. Report any signs of infection (increased redness, warmth, pus, or fever) to your healthcare team immediately.

    Apomorphine can cause drowsiness and, in some cases, sudden episodes of falling asleep without warning. If you experience these effects, you must not drive or operate machinery. Even if you do not feel drowsy, the possibility of sudden sleep onset means you should exercise caution. You should discuss your ability to drive with your specialist, who can assess your individual risk. Local driving regulations regarding Parkinson’s disease medications vary by country, so check the rules applicable in your jurisdiction.

    No. Despite the word “morphine” in its chemical name, apomorphine is not an opioid and does not contain morphine. The name reflects only the fact that apomorphine was first chemically derived from morphine in a laboratory in 1869. It has a completely different mechanism of action — it is a dopamine agonist, not a pain reliever. It does not produce euphoria, addiction, respiratory depression, or any of the other effects associated with opioids.

References

  1. European Medicines Agency (EMA). Apomorphine hydrochloride — Summary of Product Characteristics. Available at: www.ema.europa.eu
  2. Garcia Ruiz PJ, Sesar Ignacio A, Ares Pensado B, et al. Efficacy of long-term continuous subcutaneous apomorphine infusion in advanced Parkinson’s disease with motor fluctuations: a multicenter study. Movement Disorders. 2008;23(8):1130–1136.
  3. Katzenschlager R, Poewe W, Rascol O, et al. Apomorphine subcutaneous infusion in patients with Parkinson’s disease with persistent motor fluctuations (TOLEDO): a multicentre, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial. The Lancet Neurology. 2018;17(9):749–759.
  4. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Parkinson’s disease in adults: diagnosis and management [NG71]. Updated 2024. Available at: www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng71
  5. Fox SH, Katzenschlager R, Lim SY, et al. International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society evidence-based medicine review: Update on treatments for the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Movement Disorders. 2018;33(8):1248–1266.
  6. Trenkwalder C, Chaudhuri KR, Garcia Ruiz PJ, et al. Expert Consensus Group report on the use of apomorphine in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Parkinsonism & Related Disorders. 2015;21(9):1023–1034.
  7. World Health Organization (WHO). Parkinson disease — a public health approach. Technical document. 2022. Available at: www.who.int
  8. Bhidayasiri R, Garcia Ruiz PJ, Henriksen T. Practical management of adverse events related to apomorphine therapy. Parkinsonism & Related Disorders. 2016;33(Suppl 1):S42–S48.
  9. British National Formulary (BNF). Apomorphine hydrochloride — Drug monograph. Available at: bnf.nice.org.uk
  10. Poewe W, Seppi K, Tanner CM, et al. Parkinson disease. Nature Reviews Disease Primers. 2017;3:17013.

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