Inbrija vs. Apokyn

Inbrija (levodopa inhalation powder) and Apokyn (apomorphine hydrochloride injection) are used to treat OFF episodes in patients with Parkinson's disease.

Inbrija and Apokyn belong to different drug classes. Inbrija is an aromatic amino acid and Apokyn is a dopamine agonist.

Side effects of Inbrija and Apokyn that are similar include nausea.

Side effects of Inbrija that are different from Apokyn include cough, upper respiratory tract infection, and discolored mucus.

Side effects of Apokyn that are different from Inbrija include injection site reactions (redness, swelling, pain, itching, bruising, or hardening of the skin), vomiting, headache, increased sweating, dizziness, drowsiness, yawning, runny nose, swelling in your hands or feet, pale skin, flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling), sudden uncontrolled movements, and hallucinations (seeing and hearing things that are not real).

Both Inbrija and Apokyn may interact with metoclopramide.

Inbrija may also interact with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), dopamine D2 receptor antagonists (e.g., phenothiazines, butyrophenones, risperidone), isoniazid, and iron salts or multivitamins containing iron salts.

Apokyn may also interact with arsenic trioxide, bepridil, blood pressure medications, cisapride, chloroquine, halofantrine, metoclopramide, niacin, erectile dysfunction medications, narcotics, antibiotics, medicines to treat psychiatric disorders, and heart rhythm medicines.

Withdrawal symptoms may occur if you suddenly stop taking Inbrija or Apokyn.

Common side effects of Inbrija include:

• cough,
• nausea,
• upper respiratory tract infection, and
• discolored mucus

Common side effects of Apokyn include:

• injection site reactions (redness, swelling, pain, itching, bruising, or hardening of the skin),
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• headache,
• increased sweating,
• dizziness,
• drowsiness,
• yawning,
• runny nose,
• swelling in your hands or feet,
• pale skin,
• flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling),
• sudden uncontrolled movements, or
• hallucinations (seeing and hearing things that are not real).

Tell your doctor if you have unlikely but serious side effects of Apokyn including:

• uncontrolled movements,
• mental/mood changes (e.g., depression, hallucinations, trouble sleeping),
• muscle cramps or spasm,
• swelling of the hands/legs/ankles/feet, or
• unusual strong urges (such as increased gambling, increased sexual urges).

Inbrija (levodopa inhalation powder) is an aromatic amino acid indicated for the intermittent treatment of OFF episodes in patients with Parkinson’s disease treated with carbidopa/levodopa.

Apokyn (apomorphine hydrochloride injection) is a dopamine agonist, which works by helping restore the balance of dopamine in the brain, used to treat "wearing-off" episodes (muscle stiffness, loss of muscle control) in people with advanced Parkinson's disease.

Inbrija may interact with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), dopamine D2 receptor antagonists (e.g., phenothiazines, butyrophenones, risperidone, metoclopramide), isoniazid, and iron salts or multivitamins containing iron salts. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant before using Inbrija; it may harm a fetus. Inbrija passes into breast milk and may interfere with lactation. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding. Withdrawal symptoms may occur if you suddenly stop taking Inbrija.

Apokyn may interact with arsenic trioxide, bepridil, blood pressure medications, cisapride, chloroquine, halofantrine, metoclopramide, niacin, erectile dysfunction medications, narcotics, antibiotics, medicines to treat psychiatric disorders, or heart rhythm medicines. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use.

Apokyn is administered by subcutaneous (under the skin) injection. The dose is adjusted based on effectiveness and tolerance, starting at 0.2 mL (2 mg) and up to a maximum recommended dose of 0.6 mL (6 mg).

Apokyn must be taken exactly as directed. One tablet is taken every day, at the same time. Administration is continuous, with no interruption between pill packs.