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Apomorphine

  • Apomorphine is used in Parkinson's disease.
  • As Parkinson's disease progresses one minute, you can move freely, the next you find it difficult. If this happens apomorphine can be used to treat this problem.
  • The main side effects are nausea, drowsiness, sleepiness, vomiting and injection site reactions.

About apomorphine

Type of medicine Anti-Parkinson's drug
Used for Parkinson's disease
Also called APO-go
Available as Injection

Apomorphine is used to treat Parkinson's disease. In Parkinson's disease, for reasons that are not fully understood, nerve cells in the brain that produce dopamine begin to decrease in number. The overall effect is a large loss of dopamine in the brain causing a chemical imbalance. The effect of the chemical imbalance is a lack of coordination with tremors, stiff muscles, stiff joints, and difficulty moving. Currently, there is no way to stop the loss of nerve cells that produce dopamine or to restore those that have already been lost.
As Parkinson's disease progresses some people may develop a condition where one minute you can move freely, the next you find it difficult, it is called an "on-off effect". If this happens apomorphine can be used to treat this problem.

Before taking apomorphine

Before taking apomorphine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you have breathing problems.
  • If you suffer from postural hypotension.
  • If you have kidney problems.
  • If you have psychiatric problems or suffer from dementia.
  • If you have liver problems.

How to use apomorphine

  • Your doctor or nurse will administer this medicine for you, to begin with, as it is only available as an injection.
  • If the treatment is successful you will be taught how to inject the medicine for yourself.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Before you are given apomorphine injection, at least two days treatment with an anti-sickness medicine should be taken, you should continue to take this during the first few weeks of treatment. It will then be slowly withdrawn.
  • This treatment is usually started in hospital where your usual anti-Parkinson's medicines is withheld overnight.

Can apomorphine cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Nausea and vomiting You doctor should prescribe an anti-sickness medicine and you should take this at least 2 days before your appointment for the first dose.
Small lumps and redness at the injection site Use a different site of injection each time you use the medicine. Ask your doctor or nurse about this.
Drowsiness and sleepiness Do not drive or operate machinery or do any other tasks that could be dangerous. Speak with your doctor if this is a problem.
Dizziness on standing from sitting or laying Stand up slowly and get your balance before starting to walk.
Feeling confused This may be part of the Parkinson's disease that you are suffering from or a side-effect of the medication. Speak with your doctor if this occurs.

Anaemia and breathing difficult have been rarely reported in patients treated with levodopa and apomorphine. Speak with your doctor if this occurs.

Important: speak to your doctor if you notice any changes in behaviour such as a desire to gamble or an increased sex drive.

Important: if you experience falling asleep suddenly, avoid driving and contact your doctor as soon as possible.

How to store apomorphine

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2008 DocID:
1403		 DocRef:
dils3787		 Last Updated:
30 Jan 2007		 Date of Next Review:
29 Jan 2009		 Version:
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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