Apomorphine (Subcutaneous Route)

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Proper Use

Some medicines given by injection may sometimes be given at home to patients who do not need to be in the hospital. If you are using this medicine at home, make sure you clearly understand and carefully follow your doctor's instructions .

Use this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not use more or less of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of side effects .

This medicine should be injected just under the skin (i.e., subcutaneously), and not into a vein (i.e., intravenously) .

Your doctor will also prescribe another medicine called an antiemetic to take when you are using apomorphine. Antiemetic medicines help reduce the nausea and vomiting that can occur with apomorphine use .

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For parenteral dosage form (injection):
  • For treatment of Parkinson's disease:
    • Adults—Your doctor will use a test dose of 0.2 mL and base your starting dose on how your body responds to the test dose .
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor .

Missed Dose

Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

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