Apokyn

Before taking this medicine

Do not use Apokyn if you are allergic to apomorphine or any of its ingredients, including sodium metabisulfite. Allergic reactions may include severe swelling (angioedema) or anaphylaxis. Do not use Apokyn with 5-HT3 antagonists, including ondansetron, granisetron, dolasetron, palonosetron or alosetron. Severely low blood pressure and loss of consciousness have been reported when Apokyn was given with ondansetron. Apokyn must only be injected under the skin, never into a vein. Injection into a vein has caused blood clots, including clots in the lungs. Caution is needed because Apokyn may cause sudden sleep during daily activities, daytime sleepiness, fainting, low blood pressure, especially on standing, and falls. It may also cause hallucinations, psychotic-like behaviour, new or worsening involuntary movements, anaemia caused by red blood cell breakdown, and problems with impulse control. Heart-related risks include coronary events and QT prolongation, which can lead to a dangerous heart rhythm called torsades de pointes or sudden death. Apokyn may harm an unborn baby, based on animal studies. People aged 65 or older were more likely to experience certain adverse effects in clinical trials.