Uprima - Talk Medical

Generic Name: apomorphine

Brands: Apokyn

What is the most important information I should know about Uprima?

· Before using Uprima tell your doctor if you are taking granisetron (Kytril), ondansetron (Zofran), dolasetron (Anzemet), palonosetron (Aloxi) or alosetron (Lotronex). These types of drugs can cause extremely low blood pressure in people using Uprima.

· Uprima may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or fainting. Do not drive a car, operate machinery, or do anything that might put you at risk of getting injured until you know how Uprima affects you. Tell your doctor if you get dizzy or faint while taking Uprima.

· Before using Uprima tell your doctor if you are receiving any drugs to treat nausea and vomiting or irritable bowel syndrome.

What is Uprima?

· Uprima stimulates certain chemical receptors in your body. Increased stimulation of these receptors may help improve motor function in patients with Parkinson's disease.

· Uprima is used, as needed, by injection to treat the loss of control of body movements in people with advanced Parkinson's disease.

· Uprima may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not take Uprima?

· Before taking Uprima, tell your doctor if you ·have had an allergic reaction to Uprima; ·have had an allergic reaction to a diuretic (water pill) or a sunscreen containing PABA; ·have had an allergic reaction to a sulfite or sulfa medication; ·have dizziness; ·have fainting spells; ·have low blood pressure; ·have asthma; ·have liver problems; ·have kidney problems; ·have heart problems; ·have had a stroke or other brain problems; ·have a major psychotic disorder; or ·drink alcohol.

· You may not be able to take Uprima or you may require a dosage adjustment if you have any of the above conditions.

· Before using Uprima tell your doctor if you are receiving any drugs to treat nausea and vomiting or irritable bowel syndrome.

· Uprima is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Uprima will harm an unborn baby. Do not take Uprima without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

· It is also not known whether Uprima passes into breast milk. However, breast feeding should be avoided during treatment with Uprima. Do not take Uprima without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Uprima?

· Use Uprima exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand the directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

· Read the detailed "Instructions For Use" included with the Apokyn product. Do not inject Uprima unless you and your care giver have been shown how to administer Uprima and understand all the directions. Talk to your doctor if do not understand something.

· Apokyn should only be administered subcutaneously.

· Choose an injection site on your stomach area, upper arm, or upper leg to inject Apokyn. Change the injection site each time you use Apokyn.

· Do not inject Uprima into an area of the skin that is sore, red, infected or damaged.

· Only use Uprima that is clear and colorless. Do not inject Uprima that is cloudy, green, or contains particles.

· Do not change your dose of Uprima or use it more often unless your doctor has told you to.

· Your doctor may prescribe a medication called an antiemetic to take while you are using Uprima. Antiemetics help lessen the symptoms of nausea and vomiting that can occur while using Uprima.

· Store Uprima at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Syringes of Apokyn can be filled from the ampules the night before use and stored in the refrigerator until the next day.

What happens if I miss a dose?

· Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

· Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected. .

· Symptoms of a Uprima overdose are not well known but might include dizziness, loss of consciousness, and nausea.

What should I avoid while taking Uprima?

· Do not take any medications that can make you sleepy while you are taking Uprima.

· Do not drink alcohol while you are taking Uprima.

· Do not change your body position too fast. Get up slowly from sitting or lying. Uprima can lower your blood pressure and cause dizziness or fainting.

What are the possible side effects of Uprima?

· If you experience any of the following side effects, stop taking Uprima and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately: ·an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives); ·irregular heartbeats; ·severe vomiting; ·chest pain; or ·muscle cramps or seizures.

· Other side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Uprima and talk to your doctor if you experience: ·dizziness; ·hallucinations; ·depression; ·headaches; ·injection site reactions; ·sleepiness or falling asleep while doing things during the day; ·falling down; ·sudden uncontrolled movements; ·nausea and vomiting; or ·diarrhea or constipation.

· Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Uprima?

· Do not take Uprima without first talking to your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs: ·granisetron (Kytril); ·ondansetron (Zofran); ·dolasetron (Anzemet); ·palonosetron (Aloxi); or ·alosetron (Lotronex). ·any 5HT3 antagonist.

· These types of drugs can cause extremely low blood pressure in people using Uprima.

· Uprima may interact with many other medications. Do not take any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products, during treatment with Uprima without first talking to your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

· Your pharmacist has more information about Uprima written for health professionals that you may read.

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