21 April 2004

by Anai Rhoads

AnaiRhoads.org - The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Apokyn (apomorphine) for those suffering from episodal attacks of hypomobility Wednesday. The injectable drug is designed to minimise "off periods" associated with Parkinson's disease.

The downside of Apokyn is the list of side-affects associated with the drug, which include low blood pressure, fainting, hallucinations, and excessive sleepiness. Most common side-effects noted within a controlled study include yawning, dyskinesias, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, runny nose, edema, chest pain, increased sweating, flushing, and pallor.

Apokyn must be taken with an antiemetic drug due to excessive nausea and vomiting. However, it is not recommended that the patient take Apokyn with 5HT3 antagonists (ondansetron and similar drugs), since the combination can cause low blood pressure and fainting.

According to the FDA there are an estimated one and half million Americans who suffer from tremor, rigidity, postural instability, and difficulty moving, which are symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

Apokyn is manufactured for Bertek Pharmaceuticals, Research Triangle Park, NC by Draxis Pharma Inc., Canada.

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