apomorphine
Last reviewed 01/2018
Apomorphine is a dopamine agonist. It is given by subcutaneous injection or by pump in exceptional cases in certain specialist centres. It acts by stimulating post-synaptic dopamine receptors and is very effective in severe disease refractory to other treatments.
NICE guidance states (1):
- intermittent apomorphine injections may be used to reduce off time in people with Parkinson's disease (PD) with severe motor complications
- continuous subcutaneous infusions of apomorphine may be used to reduce off time and dyskinesia in people with PD with severe motor complications. Its initiation should be restricted to expert units with facilities for appropriate monitoring
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