Apomorphine Infusion, offered at the Melbourne clinic, is one of the best dopamine stimulants available. Parkinson’s disease causes a significant reduction in dopamine levels, and this medication is delivered subcutaneously through a small pump. Here are some symptoms that, if experienced, may indicate the need for Apomorphine Infusion, and one of the Melbourne clinic’s doctors can assist you:
● Difficulty swallowing food and medications
● Symptoms of late-stage Parkinson’s, such as severe tremors
● Dopamine deficiency
● Severe body pain
● Movement fluctuations and twisting movements
Apomorphine infusion has been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Australia since 2007. It is available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for patients with severely disabling motor fluctuations which have not responded to other therapy.
Benefits of
Apomorphine Infusion
Apomorphine Infusion is highly effective and is available at the Melbourne Neurocare Clinic. It has proven
effective in improving dopamine receptor stimulation in the brain,
significantly aiding in the management of Parkinson’s
disease symptoms. Here are some of the benefits of this treatment:
●
Enhancing dopamine levels in the brain
●
Treating severe body and muscle pain
●
Reducing tremors and muscle spasms
●
Assisting in the treatment of difficulty
swallowing
Individuals with PD have a deficit of dopamine in the brain – the neurotransmitter that controls movement, and its shortage is the main cause of PD symptoms.
Apomorphine works by mimicking the effects of dopamine. Oral PD medications are usually taken multiple times daily. Initially, the effects of the medication can last throughout the day. But as the disease progresses, patients may begin to notice the return of symptoms before their next dose, known as “wearing off.”
During these “off” periods, PD symptoms such as tremors, slowness, and difficulty walking can resurface. Still, when the medication becomes active again, the symptoms improve or disappear, known as being “on.” Unfortunately, this can result in more frequent dosing and less symptom control.
Apomorphine infusion involves slow and steady release of the drug apomorphine via a small infusion pump and catheter placed underneath the skin. This helps maintain a consistent level of the medication in the body and provide continuous relief from Parkinson’s symptoms. It may also be combined with other medications to help improve symptom control throughout the day.
Efficacy Results
Results from the open-label phase of the TOLEDO study found that the safety profile of Apomorphine was consistent with experience from extensive clinical use. After 64 weeks, the participants showed an average reduction in daily OFF time of 3.66 hours and an improvement in ON time without troublesome dyskinesia of 3.31 hours. A decrease in the mean daily levodopa-equivalent dose of 543 mg and levodopa dose of 273 mg was also reported. Several clinical studies showed similar effectiveness of Apomorphine infusion.
Apomorphine infusion is less invasive than other non-oral treatment options for advancing disease, such as intrajejunal levodopa infusion and deep-brain stimulation.
Subcutaneous infusion of Apomorphine can provide relief of Parkinson’s symptoms within 5 minutes, which is faster than other medications.
Apomorphine infusion can provide continuous relief from Parkinson’s symptoms throughout the day. It may be particularly beneficial for patients who experience “off” periods where their other medications are not working well.
Apomorphine infusion can reduce the need for oral medications or lower the doses required to control symptoms.
The infusion pump used for Apomorphine can be worn on the body and is relatively discreet, allowing patients to maintain their daily activities and routines.
Apomorphine infusion may have a lower risk of causing dyskinesia (abnormal involuntary movements) than oral medications.
Risks:
Limitations:
Apomorphine infusion is covered by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Eligible patients receive up to 180 ampoules of apomorphine hydrochloride hemihydrate 50 mg/5 mL injection per month.
It usually takes several hours for the whole process to complete. The dose and response of the patient affect how long it takes. The patient may need anesthesia or sedation before they undergo the procedure.
Before Treatment
Before starting this treatment, you must have a test dose of Apomorphine to check your response and tolerance. You also need to take an anti-nausea medication for at least three days before and during the treatment. Our Parkinson’s nurses will teach you or your caregiver how to use the pump and insert a needle under your skin.
During the treatment initiation
The Parkinson’s nurse will prepare the medication and set up the infusion pump. They will insert a small needle under your skin (usually in the abdomen) and connect it to the infusion pump. The pump will then slowly release the medication over a period of several hours. The neurologist will monitor your response to the medication and adjust the infusion rate as needed. Patients may need to stay in the hospital or clinic for several hours or overnight during the infusion.
After Treatment
At home, you will need to inject Apomorphine under your skin using a cartridge and a pump. You must change the injection site every 12 hours to prevent skin irritation. Regular visits by our nurses will ensure you and your caregiver are confident in using the Apomorphine pump. They are also contactable in between visits if needed.
Apomorphine infusion offers a safe and cost-effective way to control Parkinson’s symptoms. The apomorphine infusion acts faster and more reliably than other medications. At Melbourne NeuroCare, we prioritize your safety and well-being. So take the first step today and contact our knowledgeable team for a personalized approach to Parkinson’s disease care. Let’s take a stand agaist this progressive and degenerative disease and regain your quality of life.
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