FAQs

Hair loss and weight gain have not been reported as side effects of Apokyn in clinical trials, but some studies published after its approval have indicated that some patients can gain weight while on the medication due to compulsive eating, a known side effect of dopamine agonists. Patients should talk…

As each person can respond differently to a medication, there is no standard timeline for when Apokyn starts to work. In the trials that supported the therapy’s approval, a significant reduction in motor symptoms during off periods could be observed in Apokyn-treated patients within 10 minutes, and the…

Given its potential to cause drowsiness, and due to reports of people falling asleep during daily activities while on the therapy, Apokyn’s U.S. label recommends that patients starting the therapy do not drive or engage in other potentially dangerous activities until they know how it affects them. If patients do…

Clinical trials of Apokyn have not included pregnant or breastfeeding patients, so it is unclear whether the therapy is safe in such conditions. Animal data has suggested, however, that the medication may cause fetal harm. Patients on Apokyn who become or plan to become pregnant should discuss these topics with…

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Apokyn in 2004 as an add-on treatment for off periods in people with advanced Parkinson’s disease who are on levodopa-based treatments. The decision marked the first U.S. approval of a medication for off episodes in people with advanced disease.

Neither hair loss nor weight gain have been reported as side effects of Rytary in clinical trials, but there have been some isolated reports of hair loss in people receiving levodopa-based medications. Weight gain also can occur due to compulsive eating, a potential side effect of…

Based on data from clinical trials, Rytary reaches a peak concentration in the blood about one hour after administration, at which point an easing in Parkinson’s symptoms should already be evident. That effect is then maintained for about 4-5 hours before declining. However, because the…

Due to reports of people falling asleep during daily activities while on levodopa-based therapies, Rytary’s U.S. label recommends that people initiating therapy should not drive and should avoid other potentially dangerous activities that might result in harm if the patient becomes somnolent. …

Based on animal studies, Rytary may cause harm to a developing fetus. However, the therapy has not been well studied in pregnant women so it should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefits justify the potential risks to the fetus. Patients should always…

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Rytary in 2015 for the treatment of people with Parkinson’s disease, which may include patients with early, moderate, and advanced disease. The regulatory agency also approved the medication for certain kinds of parkinsonism, or conditions with Parkinson’s-like symptoms.