Yes, there are a few pump-based medication delivery options used for Parkinson's disease. These are typically considered when pills are no longer managing symptoms well enough.
Here are the main options:
- Duopa — delivers a carbidopa/levodopa gel continuously through a small pump into the small intestine via a surgically Show Full Answer
Yes, there are a few pump-based medication delivery options used for Parkinson's disease. These are typically considered when pills are no longer managing symptoms well enough.
Here are the main options:
- Duopa — delivers a carbidopa/levodopa gel continuously through a small pump into the small intestine via a surgically placed tube
- Vyalev (foscarbidopa/foslevodopa) — another infusion option delivered through a pump placed near the belly button
- Onapgo (apomorphine) — delivered under the skin via a small pump, usually in the thigh or lower stomach, during waking hours only As for side effects, they vary by pump type but some common ones across these options include:
- Nausea
- Dyskinesia (involuntary movements)
- Dizziness or low blood pressure
- Hallucinations
- Sleepiness
- Skin reactions or lumps at the infusion site
Duopa specifically can cause more serious gastrointestinal complications due to the tube placement, including infection or intestinal issues. Onapgo carries rare but serious risks like blood clots and heart rhythm changes.
It's really important to discuss these options thoroughly with a neurologist to find the best fit. A MyParkinsonsTeam member shared that they were nervous about starting an apomorphine pump — so those feelings are completely normal and worth talking through with a doctor too.
3 days ago
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