Apokyn side effects

Apokyn side effects
zhion@zhion.com November 2005

What is Apokyn used for?

Apokyn is used by injection, as needed, only to treat loss of
control of body movements in people with advanced Parkinson'
disease (PD). This condition is also called hypomobility or
episodes. An "off" episode may include symptoms such as
muscle stiffness, slow movements, and difficulty starting
movements. Apokyn may improve your ability to control your
movements when it is used during an &episode. This may help
you walk, talk, or move around easier. Apokyn is not used to
prevent episodes. Apokyn does not take the place of your
other medicines for PD.

Who should not take Apokyn?

Do not take Apokyn if you are:

allergic to Apokyn or to any of its ingredients. Apokyn contains
a sulfite called metabisulfite. Sulfites can cause severe,
life-threatening allergic reactions in some people, especially in
people with asthma.
being treated with certain drugs to treat nausea and vomiting
or irritable bowel syndrome. These medications (including, for
example, ondansetron, granisetron, dolasetron, palonosetron,
and alosetron) are called 5HT3 antagonists or blockers. People
taking this type of drug together with apomorphine have had
severely low blood pressure and lost consciousness or lacked
out.?

Special Warning(s) with Apokyn:

Apokyn should be injected just under the skin
(subcutaneously), and not into a vein.

Carefully read the Apokyn instructions for Use" for complete
instructions on preparing and giving an injection of Apokyn. Do
not inject Apokyn unless you and your caregiver have been
taught the right way and both of you understand all the
directions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any
questions.

General Precautions with Apokyn:

Do not drink alcohol or take medicines that make you sleepy
while you are taking Apokyn.

Do not drive a car, operate machinery, or do anything that
might put you at risk of getting

hurt until you know how Apokyn affects you. Apokyn may cause
dizziness or fainting. Do not change your body position too
fast. Get up slowly from sitting or lying. Apokyn can lower your
blood pressure and cause dizziness or fainting.

What should I tell my health care provider?

Tell your health care provider if you:

have dizziness
have fainting spells
have low blood pressure
have asthma
are allergic to sulfites or sulfa medicines
have liver problems
have kidney problems
have heart problems
have had a stroke or other brain problems
have a mental problem called a major psychotic disorder
drink alcohol
are trying to become pregnant, are already pregnant, or are
breast-feeding

Tell your health care provider about all the medicines you take,
including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins,
and herbal supplements. Especially tell your health care
provider if you take: medicines to treat nausea, vomiting, or
irritable bowel syndrome including 5HT3 antagonists or
blockers such as ondansteron (Zofran), granisteron (Kytri)?,
dolasteron (Anzemet), palonosteron (Aloxi)

vasodilators and other medicines that lower blood pressure

medicines that make you sleepy

What are some possible side effects of Apokyn? (This list is
NOT a complete list of side effects reported with Apokyn. Your
health care provider can discuss with you a more complete list
of side effects.)

Some common side effects with Apokyn include:

heart problems (shortness of breath, fast heartbeat, chest
pain)

severe nausea and vomiting

sleepiness or falling asleep during the day

falls

sudden uncontrolled movements

dizziness

hallucinations

depression

headache

injection site reactions

swelling of arms/legs

increased sweating

flushing

paleness

yawning

runny nose

For more detailed information about Apokyn, ask your health
care provider or pharmacist.