What does it do?

Apomorphine is used to treat Parkinson’s disease. It acts like a chemical in your brain called dopamine. Dopamine helps your brain control your body movements.

Before you start

• Tell your doctor if you have low blood pressure, mental health problems, asthma, or an allergy to sodium metabisulfite.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• Your doctor may do a heart test (ECG) before you start and while you are taking apomorphine.
• You will need a blood test before you start and while you are taking apomorphine to check if it is causing a problem with your blood.
• You will need to take domperidone for 3 days before starting apomorphine. This helps reduce nausea and vomiting that apomorphine can cause.

How is it given?

Apomorphine is usually given as an injection or infusion under the skin. It is important to change the area each time to help prevent skin problems.

Do not stop taking apomorphine without talking to your doctor first.

What if you forget a dose?

If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and inject your next dose at the usual time. Otherwise, inject the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not inject two doses at the same time.

Can you take other medicines?

Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking, including vitamins, herbal products (e.g. kava) or recreational drugs.

What side effects might you notice?

Side Effects	Recommended action
Confusion, unusual behaviour or thinking Seeing, hearing or feeling things that aren’t really there Suddenly falling asleep Unusual urges (e.g. gambling, eating, spending, sex) Squirming or wriggling movement (such as head wobble)	Tell your doctor
Nausea, vomiting Dizziness, drowsiness, yawning Unexpected erections	Tell your doctor if troublesome
Lightheaded or dizzy after standing up	Stand up slowly. If it continues, or is severe, tell your doctor
Small, firm lumps under the skin where injections are given	Change injection area each time and tell your health professional if troublesome

If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

Other information:

• Apomorphine can impair your ability to do tasks such as driving or using machines. Alcohol makes this worse. Discuss your risk with your health professional. See Are you safe to drive?
• If apomorphine is spilt, it can leave a permanent dark green mark. Immediately using stain removers may help avoid this.
• Store apomorphine as directed. Check the expiry before use. If you have any apomorphine leftover which has passed its expiry date, take it back to your pharmacy.