Apokyn (Apomorphine) is used by injection to treat loss of body movement control in patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease between doses of levodopa treatment. It has the same effect as dopamine, a naturally occurring chemical messenger found in the brain. Low levels of dopamine are associated with Parkinson’s disease.
A drug with a proven efficacy against Parkinson’s disease is set to enter India (Bangalore), and Now Dr. Sanjiv C C a well known Neurologist in Bangalore using Apomorphine injections to cure the Parkinson’s Disease in Bangalore.
Intermittent injections of apomorphine (5 mg/ml; pH 3–4; Apoteksbolaget, Sweden) were given with injection pens (Insuject-X; Novo Nordisk A/S, Denmark; D-Pen 50 μl/click; Orion Diagnostica AB, Sweden). For the infusions we used the Pharmacia Deltec CADD-PCA 5800 portable infusion pumps connected to a 0.6 mm lumen baby intravenous cannula with PTFE catheter (Neoflon ®; Boc Ohmeda AB, Sweden). The lower abdominal area or anterolateral femoral region were favoured for subcutaneous application, but areas above the hips and at the outer aspects of the upper arms were also used. Infusion sets were changed at least once, often twice, a day.
An apomorphine test was performed on all patients to determine responsiveness, latency from injection to onset of effect, and duration of effect as well as side effects.46 47 Apomorphine injections were given with an interval of at least 90 minutes. With stepwise increased doses, starting with 0.5–1.0 mg and increased by 0.5–1 mg/dose (maximal dose 6 mg) until either an antiparkinsonian effect, or unacceptable side effects appeared.
The patients’ global physical, motor, and mental conditions were continuously observed and recorded. Pulse and blood pressure (supine after 3 minutes and standing after 1 minute) were recorded at baseline and 10 minutes after each injection. The following variables were tested immediately before and every 15 minutes after each injection: (a) rigidity in wrists, elbows, neck, and knees; (b) tremor in head, and upper and lower limbs; (c) time to perform 20 pronation-supinations of the hand, and (d) time to walk 2×7 metres.
If you notice any of the above symptoms, make an appointment with Best Doctor for Parkinson Disease in Bangalore as soon as possible. Since Parkinson’s disease is progressive, early treatment can help slow the worsening of this condition.