Although there is no cure for Parkinson’s Disease, there are ways that the symptoms can be treated or managed. This is done with the use of infusion therapy with Duodopa / Levodopa. Also known as L-dopa, this is the first Parkinson’s Disease modality of treatment, with the goal of replenishing Dopamine levels.
About Apomorphine Infusion Therapy
Apomorphine infusion is a therapy used to control motor fluctuations in patients with advanced Parkinson disease. The therapy is considered effective in reducing OFF time, which is periods when other Parkinson’s disease medication has no effect, and is administered continuously with a pump.
The therapy is clinically proven and is recommended by UK, European and US Parkinson’s guidelines to be considered before more conventional Brain Stimulation therapies. Despite the name ‘Apomorphine’, the therapy doesn’t not contain any form of morphine.
Apomorphine infusion is a clear solution with no particles, and is administered continuously through a small portable battery-operated pump that comes with a pre-filled reservoir. The pump has a tubing which comes with a needle at the end, which is inserted into the fatty layer of the skin and not through the veins to deliver the medication. Usage of the pump is directed by your interventional neurologist.
About Infusion Therapy
The infusion therapy comes in the form of a gel, which is given through an extension tube (PEGJ) that goes directly to the Jejunum, which is the second part of the small intestine. This means that this extension tube bypasses the stomach and the duodenum where a lot of gastric enzymes are secreted, and hydrochloric acid release occurs. If the infusion therapy were to pass through the stomach and duodenum, it would not be a success.
The Parkinson’s treatment with infusion therapy provides continuous Dopamine delivery to the brain and avoids any movement and non-movement fluctuations.
About Injection Therapy
Injection therapy for the treatment of Parkinson’s Disease uses Apomorphine, also known as Apokyn. The injection helps to improve the symptoms associated with ‘off episodes’, which is the loss of control of body movements like talking, walking or moving, especially among patients who have advanced Parkinson’s disease and are also using other forms of therapy to manage the disease. However, the therapy does not prevent the ‘off episodes’.
Apomorphine, which is a solution that is injected just under the skin, imitates dopamine, which is a natural substance that is produced in the brain to control mobility, through signals in the brain cells. The therapy is by prescription only and should be injected according to directions by your doctor. Using more or less than prescribed can be dangerous.
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