Apomorphine

What is apomorphine?

Apomorphine is used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. People with Parkinson's don't have enough of a chemical called dopamine. Apomorphine is thought to work by helping to restore the balance of dopamine in the brain.

Note: apomorphine does not contain morphine.

When is apomorphine used?

Apomorphine is usually used for more advanced Parkinson's when other treatments no longer work well to control Parkinson's symptoms on their own. It is used if you have sudden and unpredictable changes in your symptoms or have severe ‘off’ periods.

‘On/off’ refers to movement fluctuations, usually caused by levodopa medication becoming less effective before the next dose is due. ‘On’ is when your symptoms are controlled and when you feel at your most capable. Being ‘off’ is when your Parkinson’s symptoms recur and affect you the most.

Apomorphine is often prescribed with other medicines such as levodopa to help it work better. Apomorphine works within 5–10 minutes, which means it can act as a ‘rescue’ treatment if your other medicines haven’t taken effect. The effects of apomorphine generally wear off after 40 minutes, but by this time your other medicines may have started to work.

Dose

• Apomorphine is started in a specialist clinic where a doctor will work out the best dose for you.
• The dose of apomorphine is different for different people. The dose will be based on your medical condition and your response to treatment.

How is apomorphine given?

In Aotearoa New Zealand, apomorphine is given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneously), usually into your lower abdomen (tummy) or outer thigh. It can be given as an intermittent injection, when needed, or as a continuous infusion. 

• Intermittent injection: this is used mainly as rescue therapy, only when your symptoms worsen.
• Continuous infusion: this dose is given over a period of several hours through a portable pump. It usually runs when you are awake.

The decision about which method is best for you will depend on how often you need to take apomorphine, how well you can use your hands, your lifestyle and whether you have anyone to help if you need it.

Training

You, your carer or whānau will be trained to administer apomorphine. If you are unable to administer the doses yourself, involve a partner, close friend, or family/whānau member to help you.

Anti-sickness medicine

Apomorphine can make you feel very nauseous (sick). You may be given an anti-sickness medicines called domperidone (Motilium) before you start apomorphine treatment.

Precautions before starting apomorphine

Tell your doctor if you have heart or mental health problems, low blood pressure, asthma, or an allergy to sodium metabisulfite.

What are the side effects of apomorphine?

Like all medicines, apomorphine can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Often side effects improve as your body gets used to the new medicine. Let your doctor know if any of these things happen to you, your dose or your treatment may need to be adjusted.

Interactions

Apomorphine interacts with some medications, herbal supplements and rongoā Māori, so check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting apomorphine and before starting any new products.

Learn more

The following links provide further information on apomorphine. Be aware that websites from other countries may contain information that differs from Aotearoa New Zealand recommendations.

Apomorphine Patient Information NZ Formulary 
Medication used in the treatment of Parkinson's Parkinson's New Zealand
Parkinson's and complementary therapies Parkinson's New Zealand
Impulse behaviour, Parkinson's UK 

References

Apomorphine New Zealand Formulary
Movapo Product Datasheet