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What is the most important information I should know about apomorphine?

Some people using apomorphine have fallen asleep during normal daytime activities such as working, talking, eating, or driving. You may fall asleep suddenly, even after feeling alert. Tell your doctor if you have any problems with daytime sleepiness or drowsiness. If you are unsure of how this medicine will affect you, be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Do not drink alcohol or use narcotic pain medications, sedatives, tranquilizers, muscle relaxers, or other medicines that can make you sleepy or lower your blood pressure. Dangerous side effects may result. Apomorphine can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

What is apomorphine?

Apomorphine has some of the same effects as a chemical called dopamine, which occurs naturally in your body. Low levels of dopamine in the brain are associated with Parkinson's disease.

Apomorphine is used to treat "wearing-off" episodes (muscle stiffness, loss of muscle control) in people with advanced Parkinson's disease.

Apomorphine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using apomorphine?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to apomorphine, or if you are using any of the following medications:

• alosetron (Lotronex);

• dolasetron (Anzemet);

• granisetron (Kytril);

• ondansetron (Zofran); or

• palonosetron (Aloxi).

Before using apomorphine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood);

• a slow heart rate;

• a personal or family history of "Long QT syndrome";

• a history of stroke or heart attack;

• asthma;

• liver disease;
• kidney disease;

• a psychiatric disorder such as schizophrenia; or

• low blood pressure.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use apomorphine.

Some people using apomorphine have fallen asleep during normal daytime activities such as working, talking, eating, or driving. You may fall asleep suddenly, even after feeling alert. Tell your doctor if you have any problems with daytime sleepiness or drowsiness. If you are unsure of how this medicine will affect you, be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Apomorphine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.