Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.
If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Apomorphine hydrochloride may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.
for APO-go Pen contains apomorphine solution for injection. It is injected into the area under the skin (subcutaneously). The active ingredient in APO-go Pen is apomorphine hydrochloride. There is 10 mg of apomorphine in each millilitre of solution. Apomorphine hydrochloride belongs to a group of medicines known as dopamine agonists. APO-go Pen is used to treat Parkinson's disease. Apomorphine helps to reduce the amount of time spent in an "off" or immobile state in people who have been previously treated for Parkinson's disease with levodopa and/or other dopamine agonists. Your doctor or nurse will help you to recognise the signs of when to use your medicine. Despite the name, apomorphine does not contain morphine.
e APO-go Pen Before you use APO-go Pen, your doctor will obtain an ECG (electrocardiogram) and will ask for a list of all other medicines you take. This ECG will be repeated in the first days of your treatment and at any point if your doctor thinks this is needed. He or she will also ask you about other diseases you may have, in particular concerning your heart. Some of the questions and investigations may be repeated at each medical visit. If you experience symptoms which may come from the heart, e.g. palpitations, fainting, or near-fainting, you should report this to your doctor immediately. Also if you experience diarrhoea or start a new medication, this should be reported to your doctor. Do not use APO-go Pen if:
–
–
you suffer from a mental illness with symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, disordered thoughts, loss of contact with reality you have liver problems you have severe dyskinesia (involuntary movements) or severe dystonia (inability to move) despite taking levodopa you are allergic to apomorphine or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6) you or someone in your family are known to have an abnormality of electrocardiogram (ECG) called "long QT syndrome".
you are taking ondansetron (medicine to treat nausea and vomiting)
Warnings and precautions Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse before using APO-go Pen if:
Your doctor will tell you if you need to change the dose of your apomorphine or any of your other medicines. If you are taking levodopa (another medicine for Parkinson's disease) as well as apomorphine your doctor should check your blood regularly. APO-go Pen with food and drink Food and drink do not affect the way this medicine will work. Pregnancy and breast-feeding APO-go Pen should not be used during pregnancy unless clearly necessary. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before using APO-go Pen if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or you are planning to become pregnant. It is not known whether APO-go Pen is transferred to breast milk. Talk to your doctor if you are breast-feeding or intend to breast-feed. Your doctor will explain to you, whether you should continue/discontinue breast-feeding or continue/discontinue taking this medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine. Driving and using machines APO-go Pen can cause drowsiness and a strong desire to sleep. Do not drive or use any tools or machinery if this medicine affects you in this way. This medicine can affect your ability to drive. Do not drive whilst taking this medicine until you know how this medicine affects you. It may be an offence to drive if your ability to drive safely is affected. There is further information for patients who are intending to drive in Great Britain – go to https://www.gov.uk/drug-driving-law. APO-go Pen contains sodium metabisulfite APO-go Pen contains sodium metabisulfite which rarely can cause a severe allergic reaction with symptoms such as rash or itchy skin, difficulty breathing, puffiness of the eyelids, face or lips, swelling or redness of the tongue. If you experience these side effects, immediately go to the nearest hospital casualty department. APO-go Pen contains less than 1 mmol (23 mg) of sodium per 10 ml, i.e. essentially sodium free. 3.
How to use APO-go Pen
Before you use APO-go Pen, your doctor will ensure that you tolerate the medicine and an antiemetic medicine that you need to use simultaneously. Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. Domperidone should be taken at least 2 days before APO-go Pen is started to stop you feeling or being sick. Do not use APO-go Pen if: − the solution has turned green − the solution is cloudy or you can see particles in it. Where to inject APO-go Pen − inject APO-go Pen into an area under the skin (subcutaneously) as shown by your doctor or nurse − do not inject APO-go Pen into a vein.
How much to use The amount of APO-go Pen you should use and how often to use it will depend upon your personal needs. Your doctor will discuss this with you and tell you how much of your medicine to use. The amount that will work best for you will have been determined on your visit to the specialist clinic. − − − −
The usual daily dose is between 3 mg and 30 mg You may need as much as 100 mg per day Typically you will need between 1 and 10 injections per day Each single injection should not be more than 10 mg.
Before using APO-go Pen, study the diagram below and your Pen to familiarise yourself with your medicine. Instructions for Use 1) Dosage dial 7) Arrow showing the dosage selected 8) Numbers indicating the dose per injection (1-10 mg)
9) Graduations (in mg) on the cartridge showing total amount of apomorphine in the Pen 4) Membrane 10) Needle* 6) Needle protector*
3) Outer sleeve of Pen
2) Needle in sealed unit* containing 10) needle 6) needle protector 5) protective cone
*This pack does NOT contain needles for use with your Pen.
Use pen needles not more than 12.7 mm (1⁄2") in length and not finer than 30G. Pen needles recommended for use with insulin pens are compatible with APO-go Pen.
your APO-go Pen Read these instructions carefully IMPORTANT: Do not pull the red capped dosage dial (see 1) before you have set the dosage (see 'Selecting the correct dose'). Attaching the needle (a) Before using APO-go Pen you will need some surgical wipes and one needle in its protective cone (see 2). (b) Take the Pen out of its box and remove the outer sleeve (see 3).
(c) Wipe the membrane of the Pen (see 4) with a surgical wipe.
(d) Peel off the paper from the needle cone (see 2).
(e) It is important to bring the needle to the Pen in a straight line, as shown above. This will attach the needle securely. If the needle is presented at an angle it may cause the Pen to leak. (f) Screw the cone (see 2) clockwise onto the membrane until it is tight. This securely attaches the needle. (g) Remove the protective cone (see 5), but do not throw it away. Do not remove the needle protector (see 6) at this stage.
(h) Replace the Pen's outer sleeve (see 3). Selecting the correct dose (i) Press the red capped dosage dial (see 1) and whilst holding it down, turn the dial clockwise until the arrow points to the dose your doctor chose for you (see 7 & 8). Release the downward pressure on the red capped dial. The dose is now set and you do not need to redial for subsequent injections.
Important: If you pass your prescribed dose while turning the dial, just continue pressing and turning in the same direction until the arrow points to the dose your doctor chose for you. Never pull and turn the red capped dosage dial at the same time. If your dose is 1 mg, start by emptying a 1 mg dose onto a paper tissue and discarding it. This is called 'priming' and is important because it ensures you get a full dose the first time you use your Pen. Then, set the dose you require for injection and inject it in the usual way (see "Injecting"). If the first dose required is more than 1 mg, you do not need to prime the Pen. Injecting (j) Once you have set the dose, gently pull out the red capped dosage dial as far as it will go. Check the red scale on the plunger (see 9) and inject only if the line that is just visible matches the intended dose.
(k) Using a surgical wipe, clean the area of skin where you plan to inject the medicine and around it. (l) Remove the Pen's outer sleeve (see 3). (m) Remove the needle protector (see 6).
(n) Insert the needle (see 10) into the skin as shown by your doctor. (o) To inject, press the red capped dosage dial (see 1) down as far as it will go, using your thumb if possible. Once the red capped dosage dial is fully depressed, count to three before withdrawing the needle.
(p) Replace the protective cone (see 5) onto the used needle and push gently into place. Once secure, turn the needle anti-clockwise to unscrew it. Keep the needle in its protective cone and discard it in a safe place, such as a "Sharps" bin or an empty coffee jar.
Preparing for the next injection (q) Remove the outer sleeve of the Pen and check there is enough apomorphine left in the cartridge for your next injection. If there is, put a new needle in place in the same way as before. (r) If there is not enough apomorphine left for another injection, prepare another Pen. (s) Finally, replace the outer sleeve of your Pen.
If you use more APO-go Pen than you should − Tell your doctor or contact your nearest hospital emergency department immediately − You may experience a slow heart rate, excessive sickness, excessive sleepiness and/or difficulty breathing. You may also feel faint or dizzy particularly when you stand up, due to low blood pressure. Lying down and raising your feet will help you feel better. If you forget to use APO-go Pen Take it when you next require it. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. If you stop using APO-go Pen Do not stop using APO-go Pen without first talking with your doctor. If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. If you experience an allergic reaction stop taking APO-go Pen and contact a doctor or your nearest hospital emergency department immediately. The signs of an allergic reaction may include: − rash − breathing difficulties − swelling of the face, lips, throat or tongue. APO-go Pen may sometimes cause the following: Very common: may affect more than 1 in 10 people
• •
lumps under the skin at the site of injection which are sore, troublesome and may be red and itchy. In order to avoid getting these lumps, it is advisable to change the site of injection every time you insert the needle. hallucinations (seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not there).
Common: may affect up to 1 in 10 people
IRL – Dublin 2 Tel: +353 1 6764971, Fax: +353 1 6762517 Website: www.hpra.ie e-mail: [email protected] Malta ADR Reporting Website: www.medicinesauthority.gov.mt/adrportal By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
APO-go Pen Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date stated on the label and carton. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Do not store above 25°C. Keep the container in the outer carton to protect from light. Store at the same conditions after opening and between withdrawals. Do not use this medicine if the solution has turned green. It should only be used if the solution is clear and colourless and free of visible particles. When you start using a new APO-go Pen, it can be used for up to 48 hours. Do not re-use your APOgo Pen after this time. Use a new Pen. To dispose of your Pens safely, always remove the needle from the Pen before discarding it in a "Sharps" bin or other suitable container such as an empty coffee jar. When your "Sharps" bin or container is full, please give it to your doctor or pharmacist for safe disposal. If the Pen is completely empty you may dispose of it in your household waste. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.
What APO-go Pen contains − −
The active substance is apomorphine hydrochloride. Each millilitre of APO-go Pen contains 10 mg of apomorphine hydrochloride. Each APO-go Pen contains 3 ml of solution for injection. The other ingredients are: − sodium metabisulfite (E223) − hydrochloric acid (37%) − water for injections.
Refer to 'Section 2: APO-go Pen contains sodium metabisulfite' regarding sodium metabisulfite. What APO-go Pen looks like and contents of the pack APO-go Pen is a disposable multiple dose Pen injector system with a clear glass cartridge containing the apomorphine solution for injection. The solution is clear, practically colourless, odourless and free from visible particles.
Contents of the pack Packs contain 1, 5 or 10 pens in a moulded plastic tray in an outer cardboard carton. APO-go Pen is available in packs containing 1, 5 or 10 pens and in multipacks comprising 5 cartons, each containing 5 pens. Not all pack sizes may be marketed. Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer Marketing Authorisation Holder for UK Britannia Pharmaceuticals Ltd. 200 Longwater Avenue Green Park Reading, Berkshire RG2 6GP UK Tel: +44 1189 209500 Email: [email protected] Marketing Authorisation Holder for Ireland and Malta STADA Arzneimittel AG Stadastraße 2-18 61118 Bad Vilbel Germany Manufacturer(s) Laboratoire Aguettant 1 Rue Alexander Fleming Lyon, 69007 France Distributor in UK Britannia Pharmaceuticals Ltd. 200 Longwater Avenue Green Park Reading, Berkshire RG2 6GP UK Distributor in Ireland Clonmel Healthcare Ltd. Waterford Road Clonmel County Tipperary Ireland This medicine is authorised in the Member States of the EEA and in the United Kingdom (Northern Ireland) under the following names: Austria, Germany: Belgium: Bulgaria:
APO-go PEN 10 mg/ml Injektionslösung APO-GO®-PEN 10 mg/ml oplossing voor injectie AПO-гo® ПИСАЛКА 10 mg/ml Инжекционен разтвор
Cyprus: APO-go Συσκευή τύπου πένας 10 mg/ml Ενέσιμο Διάλυμα Czech Republic: BRITAJECT PEN Denmark: APO-go PEN 10 mg/ml injektionsvæske, opløsning Estonia: APO-go, 10 mg/ml süstelahus pen-süstlis Finland: Apogo PEN 10 mg/ml injektioneste, liuos Greece: APO-go Συσκευή τύπου πένας 10 mg/ml Ενέσιμο Διάλυμα Ireland, Malta, United Kingdom (Northern Ireland): APO-go Pen 10 mg/ml Solution for Injection Latvia: APO-go PEN 10 mg/ml šķīdums injekcijām Lithuania: Britaject 10 mg/ml injekcinis tirpalas Luxembourg: APO-go® PEN 10 mg/ml Solution Injectable Netherlands: APO-go PEN, oplossing voor injectie 10 mg/ml Norway: Britaject 10 mg/ml injeksjonsvæske, oppløsning i ferdigfylt penn Portugal: Apo-go Pen 10 mg/ml Solução injetável Romania: APO-go 10 mg/ml soluţie injectabilă în pen multidoză Slovenia: APO-go 10 mg/ml raztopina za injiciranje v peresniku Spain: APO-go PEN 10 mg/ml Solución inyectable Sweden: APO-go PEN 10 mg/ml injektionsvätska, lösning This leaflet was last revised in 25/09/2024 If this leaflet is difficult to see or read and you would like it in a different format, please contact Britannia Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
APO-go Pen 10mg/ml Solution for Injection comes as injection containing 10mg/ml. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.
The active substance in APO-go Pen 10mg/ml Solution for Injection is apomorphine hydrochloride.
Medicines with the same active substance, strength and form include: APO-go AMPOULES 10mg/ml Solution for Injection or Infusion, Dacepton 10 mg/ml solution for injection in cartridge. They are interchangeable only if your prescriber or pharmacist says so.
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for APO-go Pen 10mg/ml Solution for Injection, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.
Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.
The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.
The treatment of motor fluctuations ('on-off' phenomena) in patients with Parkinson's disease which are not sufficiently controlled by oral anti-Parkinson medication.
Selection of patients suitable for APO-go injections:
Patients selected for treatment with APO-go should be able to recognise the onset of their 'off' symptoms and be capable of injecting themselves or else have a responsible carer able to inject for them when required.
Patients treated with apomorphine will usually need to start domperidone at least two days prior to initiation of therapy. The domperidone dose should be titrated to the lowest effective dose and discontinued as soon as possible. Before the decision to initiate domperidone and apomorphine treatment, risk factors for QT interval prolongation in the individual patient should be carefully assessed to ensure that the benefit outweighs the risk (see section 4.4).
Apomorphine should be initiated in the controlled environment of a specialist clinic. The patient should be supervised by a physician experienced in the treatment of Parkinson's disease (e.g. neurologist). The patient's treatment with levodopa, with or without dopamine agonists, should be optimised before starting APO-go treatment.
Posology
Determination of the threshold dose
The appropriate dose for each patient is established by incremental dosing schedules. The following schedule is suggested:
1 mg of apomorphine HCl (0.1 ml), that is approximately 15-20 micrograms/kg, may be injected subcutaneously during a hypokinetic, or 'off' period and the patient is observed over 30 minutes for a motor response.
If no response, or an inadequate response, is obtained a second dose of 2 mg of apomorphine HCl (0.2 ml) is injected subcutaneously and the patient observed for an adequate response for a further 30 minutes.
The dosage may be increased by incremental injections with at least a forty minute interval between succeeding injections, until a satisfactory motor response is obtained.
Establishment of treatment
Once the appropriate dose is determined a single subcutaneous injection may be given into the lower abdomen or outer thigh at the first signs of an 'off' episode. It cannot be excluded that absorption may differ with different injection sites within a single individual. Accordingly, the patient should then be observed for the next hour to assess the quality of their response to treatment. Alterations in dosage may be made according to the patient's response.
The optimal dosage of apomorphine hydrochloride varies between individuals but, once established, remains relatively constant for each patient.
Precautions on continuing treatment
The daily dose of APO-go varies widely between patients, typically within the range of 3-30 mg, given as 1-10 injections and sometimes as many as 12 separate injections per day.
It is recommended that the total daily dose of apomorphine HCl should not exceed 100mg and that individual bolus injections should not exceed 10 mg.
In clinical studies it has usually been possible to make some reduction in the dose of levodopa; this effect varies considerably between patients and needs to be carefully managed by an experienced physician.
Once treatment has been established domperidone therapy may be gradually reduced in some patients but successfully eliminated only in a few, without any vomiting or hypotension.
Paediatric population
APO-go Pen 10 mg/ml Solution for Injection is contra-indicated for children and adolescents under 18 years of age (see section 4.3).
Elderly
The elderly are well represented in the population of patients with Parkinson's disease and constitute a high proportion of those studied in clinical trials of APO-go. The management of elderly patients treated with APO-go has not differed from that of younger patients. However, extra caution is recommended during initiation of therapy in elderly patients because of the risk of postural hypotension.
Renal impairment
A dose schedule similar to that recommended for adults, and the elderly, can be followed for patients with renal impairment (see section 4.4).
Method of Administration
APO-go Pen 10 mg/ml Solution for Injection is for subcutaneous use by intermittent bolus injection.
Apomorphine must not be used via the intravenous route.
Do not use if the solution has turned green. The solution should be inspected visually prior to use. Only clear, colourless and particle free solution should be used.
In patients with respiratory depression, dementia, psychotic diseases or hepatic insufficiency.
Apomorphine HCl treatment must not be administered to patients who have an 'on' response to levodopa which is marred by severe dyskinesia or dystonia.
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1. APO-go should not be administered to patients who have a known hypersensitivity to apomorphine or any excipients of the medicinal product.
The concomitant use of apomorphine with ondansetron is contraindicated (see section 4.5).
APO-go is contraindicated for children and adolescents under 18 years of age.
Apomorphine HCl should be given with caution to patients with renal, pulmonary or cardiovascular disease and persons prone to nausea and vomiting.
Extra caution is recommended during initiation of therapy in elderly and/or debilitated patients.
Since apomorphine may produce hypotension, even when given with domperidone pre-treatment, care should be exercised in patients with pre-existing cardiac disease or in patients taking vasoactive medicinal products such as anti-hypertensives, and especially in patients with pre-existing postural hypotension.
Since apomorphine, especially at high dose, may have the potential for QT prolongation, caution should be exercised when treating patients at risk for torsades de pointes arrhythmia.
When used in combination with domperidone, risk factors in the individual patient should be carefully assessed. This should be done before treatment initiation, and during treatment. Important risk factors include serious underlying heart conditions such as congestive cardiac failure, severe hepatic impairment or significant electrolyte disturbance. Also medication possibly affecting electrolyte balance, CYP3A4 metabolism or QT interval should be assessed. Monitoring for an effect on the QTc interval is advisable. An ECG should be performed:
- prior to treatment with domperidone
- during the treatment initiation phase
- as clinically indicated thereafter.
The patient should be instructed to report possible cardiac symptoms including palpitations, syncope, or near-syncope. They should also report clinical changes that could lead to hypokalaemia, such as gastroenteritis or the initiation of diuretic therapy.
At each medical visit, risk factors should be revisited.
Apomorphine is associated with local subcutaneous effects. These can sometimes be reduced by the rotation of injection sites or possibly by the use of ultrasound (if available) in order to avoid to areas of nodularity and induration.
Haemolytic anaemia and thrombocytopenia have been reported in patients treated with apomorphine. Haematology tests should be undertaken at regular intervals as with levodopa, when given concomitantly with apomorphine.
Caution is advised when combining apomorphine with other medicinal products, especially those with a narrow therapeutic range (see section 4.5).
Neuropsychiatric problems co-exist in many patients with advanced Parkinson's disease. There is evidence that for some patients neuropsychiatric disturbances may be exacerbated by apomorphine. Special care should be exercised when apomorphine is used in these patients.
Apomorphine has been associated with somnolence and episodes of sudden sleep onset, particularly in patients with Parkinson's disease. Patients must be informed of this and advised to exercise caution whilst driving or operating machines during treatment with apomorphine. Patients who have experienced somnolence and/or an episode of sudden sleep onset must refrain from driving or operating machines.
Furthermore, a reduction of dosage may be considered.
Impulse control disorders
Patients should be regularly monitored for the development of impulse control disorders. Patients and carers should be made aware that behavioural symptoms of impulse control disorders including pathological gambling, increased libido, hypersexuality, compulsive spending or buying, binge eating and compulsive eating can occur in patients treated with dopamine agonists including apomorphine. Dose reduction/tapered discontinuation should be considered if such symptoms develop.
Dopamine dysregulation Syndrome (DDS) is an addictive disorder resulting in excessive use of the product seen in some patients treated with apomorphine. Before initiation of treatment, patients and caregivers should be warned of the potential risk of developing DDS.
APO-go Pen 10 mg/ml Solution for Injection contains sodium metabisulfite which may rarely cause severe allergic reactions and bronchospasm.
This medicinal product contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per 10 ml, i.e. essentially “sodium-free”.
Patients selected for treatment with apomorphine HCl are almost certain to be taking concomitant medications for their Parkinson's disease. In the initial stages of apomorphine HCl therapy the patient should be monitored for unusual side-effects or signs of potentiation of effect.
Neuroleptic medicinal products may have an antagonistic effect if used with apomorphine. There is a potential interaction between clozapine and apomorphine, however clozapine may also be used to reduce the symptoms of neuropsychiatric complications.
Concomitant use of apomorphine with ondansetron may lead to severe hypotension and loss of consciousness and is therefore contraindicated (see section 4.3). Such effects might also occur with other 5-HT3 antagonists.
The possible effects of apomorphine on the plasma concentrations of other medicinal products have not been studied. Therefore caution is advised when combining apomorphine with other medicinal products, especially those with a narrow therapeutic range.
Antihypertensive and Cardiac Active Medicinal Drugs
Even when co-administered with domperidone, apomorphine may potentiate the antihypertensive effects of these medicinal products (See section 4.4).
It is recommended to avoid the administration of apomorphine with other drugs known to prolong the QT interval.
Pregnancy
There is no experience of apomorphine usage in pregnant women.
Animal reproduction studies do not indicate any teratogenic effects, but doses given to rats which are toxic to the mother can lead to failure to breathe in the newborn. The potential risk for humans is unknown. See Section 5.3.
APO-go should not be used during pregnancy unless clearly necessary.
Breastfeeding
It is not known whether apomorphine is excreted in breast milk. A decision on whether to continue/discontinue breastfeeding or to continue/discontinue therapy with APO-go should be made taking into account the benefit of breast-feeding to the child and the benefit of APO-go to the woman.
Apomorphine HCl has minor or moderate influence on the ability to drive and use machines.
Patients being treated with apomorphine and presenting with somnolence and/or sudden sleep episodes must be informed to refrain from driving or engaging in activities (e.g. operating machines) where impaired alertness may put themselves or others at risk of serious injury or death until such recurrent episodes and somnolence have resolved (see Section 4.4).
“This medicine can impair cognitive function and can affect a patient's ability to drive safely. This class of medicine is in the list of drugs included in regulations under 5a of the Road Traffic Act 1988. When prescribing this medicine, patients should be told:
• The medicine is likely to affect your ability to drive
• Do not drive until you know how the medicine affects you
• It is an offence to drive while under the influence of this medicine
• However, you would not be committing an offence (called 'statutory defence') if:
o The medicine has been prescribed to treat a medical or dental problem and
o You have taken it according to the instructions given by the prescriber and in the information provided with the medicine and
o It was not affecting your ability to drive safely”
Very common (≥1/10)
Common (≥1/100 to <1/10)
Uncommon (≥1/1,000 to <1/100)
Rare (≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000)
Very rare (<1/10,000)
Not known (cannot be estimated from the available data)
Blood and lymphatic system disorders
Uncommon:
Haemolytic anaemia and thrombocytopenia have been reported in patients treated with apomorphine.
Rare:
Eosinophilia has rarely occurred during treatment with apomorphine HCl.
Immune system disorders
Rare:
Due to the presence of sodium metabisulfite, allergic reactions (including anaphylaxis and bronchospasm) may occur.
Psychiatric disorders
Very Common:
Hallucinations
Common:
Neuropsychiatric disturbances (including transient mild confusion and visual hallucinations) have occurred during apomorphine HCl therapy.
Not known:
Impulse control disorders: Pathological gambling, increased libido, hypersexuality, compulsive spending or buying, binge eating and compulsive eating can occur in patients treated with dopamine agonists including apomorphine (see section 4.4).
Aggression, agitation
Nervous system disorders
Common:
Transient sedation with each dose of apomorphine HCl at the start of therapy may occur; this usually resolves over the first few weeks.
Apomorphine is associated with somnolence.
Dizziness / light-headedness have also been reported.
Uncommon:
Apomorphine may induce dyskinesias during 'on' periods, which can be severe in some cases, and in a few patients may result in cessation of therapy.
Apomorphine has been associated with sudden sleep onset episodes (see section 4.4).
Not known:
Syncope
Headache
Vascular disorders
Uncommon:
Postural hypotension is seen infrequently and is usually transient (see section 4.4).
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
Common:
Yawning has been reported during apomorphine therapy.
Uncommon:
Breathing difficulties have been reported.
Gastrointestinal disorders
Common:
Nausea and vomiting, particularly when apomorphine treatment is first initiated, usually as a result of the omission of domperidone (see section 4.2).
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Uncommon:
Local and generalised rashes have been reported.
General disorders and administration site conditions
Very common:
Most patients experience injection site reactions, particularly with continuous use. These may include subcutaneous nodules, induration, erythema, tenderness and panniculitis. Various other local reactions (such as irritation, itching, bruising and pain) may also occur.
Uncommon:
Injection site necrosis and ulceration have been reported.
Not known:
Peripheral oedema has been reported.
Investigations
Uncommon:
Positive Coombs' tests have been reported for patients receiving apomorphine.
Reporting of adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via:
United Kingdom
Yellow Card Scheme
Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard
Ireland
HPRA Pharmacovigilance,
Earlsfort Terrace
IRL - Dublin 2
Tel: +353 1 6764971
Fax: +353 1 6762517
Website: www.hpra.ie
e-mail: [email protected]
Malta
ADR Reporting
Website: www.medicinesauthority.gov.mt/adrportal
There is little clinical experience of overdose with apomorphine by this route of administration. Symptoms of overdose may be treated empirically as suggested below:-
- excessive emesis may be treated with domperidone.
- respiratory depression may be treated with naloxone.
- hypotension: appropriate measures should be taken, e.g. raising the foot of the bed.
- bradycardia may be treated with atropine.
Ask anything about APO-go Pen 10mg/ml Solution for Injection. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.
Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.
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