Subcutaneous infusions of apomorphine: a reappraisal of its therapeutic efficacy in advanced Parkinson's disease

Expert Rev Neurother. 2013 Dec;13(12):1343-53. doi: 10.1586/14737175.2013.839235. Epub 2013 Oct 25.

Abstract

Subcutaneous infusion of apomorphine is a useful treatment for motor and nonmotor complications in Parkinson's disease patients and improves the patient's quality of life. An adequate selection of suitable candidates is crucial for obtaining the best results with this therapy. Parkinsonian patients with severe biphasic dyskinesias, demented or having experienced serious neuropsychiatric side effects with other dopamine agonists should not be offered this treatment. The therapeutic effect of continuous apomorphine infusion is reviewed and practical recommendations on its use are provided.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apomorphine / administration & dosage
  • Apomorphine / therapeutic use*
  • Dopamine Agonists / administration & dosage
  • Dopamine Agonists / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Infusions, Subcutaneous / methods
  • Parkinson Disease / drug therapy*
  • Quality of Life
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Dopamine Agonists
  • Apomorphine