APOMORPHINE: 7,957 Adverse Event Reports & Safety Profile

11 DESCRIPTION apomorphine hydrocloride (apomorphine hydrochloride injection) contains apomorphine hydrochloride, a non-ergoline dopamine agonist. Apomorphine hydrochloride is chemically designated as 6aβ-Aporphine-10,11-diol hydrochloride hemihydrate with a molecular formula of C 17 H 17 NO 2 ∙ HCl ∙ ½ H 2 O. Its structural formula and molecular weight are: Figure 1: Structural Formula and Molecular Weight of Apomorphine M.W.

312.79 Apomorphine hydrochloride appears as minute, white or grayish-white glistening crystals or as white powder that is soluble in water at 80°C. Apomorphine hydrocloride is a clear, colorless, sterile solution for subcutaneous injection and is available in 3 mL (30 mg) multi-dose cartridges. Each mL of solution contains 10 mg of apomorphine hydrochloride, USP as apomorphine hydrochloride hemihydrate (equivalent to 8.55 mg apomorphine), 1 mg of sodium metabisulfite, NF and 5 mg of benzyl alcohol, NF (preservative) in water for injection, USP. In addition, each mL of solution may contain sodium hydroxide, NF and/or hydrochloric acid, NF to adjust the pH of the solution.

Figure

1

AND USAGE Apomorphine hydrochloride injection is indicated for the acute, intermittent treatment of hypomobility, "off" episodes ("end-of-dose wearing off" and unpredictable "on/off" episodes) in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease. Apomorphine hydrocloride inejction has been studied as an adjunct to other medications [see Clinical Studies (14) ] . Apomorphine hydrocloride injection is a non-ergoline dopamine agonist indicated for the acute, intermittent treatment of hypomobility, "off" episodes ("end-of-dose wearing off" and unpredictable "on/off" episodes) associated with advanced Parkinson's disease ( 1 )

AND ADMINISTRATION For subcutaneous use only ( 2.1 ) Always express apomorphine hydrocloride dose in mL to minimize dosing errors ( 2.1 ) The starting dose of apomorphine hydrocloride is 0.2 mL (2 mg); give the first dose under medical supervision; titrate the dose to effect and tolerance; the maximum recommended dose is 0.6 mL ( 2.3 ) Treatment with a concomitant antiemetic, e.g., trimethobenzamide, is recommended, starting 3 days prior to the first dose of apomorphine hydrocloride. Treatment with trimethobenzamide should only be continued as long as necessary to control nausea and vomiting, and generally no longer than two months ( 2.2 , 5.2 , 6.1 , 17 ) Apomorphine hydrocloride doses must be separated by at least 2 hours ( 2.5 ) Renal impairment: reduce test dose, and reduce starting dose to 0.1 mL (1 mg) ( 2.4 , 8.6 , 12.3 )

2.1 Important Administration Instructions Apomorphine hydrocloride is indicated for subcutaneous administration only <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]</span> and only by a multiple-dose APOKYN ® Pen with supplied cartridges. The APOKYN ® Pen is supplied separately by a different manufacturer. The initial dose and dose titrations should be performed by a healthcare provider. Blood pressure and pulse should be measured in the supine and standing position before and after dosing. A caregiver or patient may administer apomorphine hydrocloride if a healthcare provider determines that it is appropriate. Instruct patients to follow the directions provided in the Patients Instructions For Use. Because the APOKYN ® Pen has markings in milliliters (mL), the prescribed dose of apomorphine hydrocloride should be expressed in mL to avoid confusion. Visually inspect the apomorphine hydrocloride drug product through the viewing window for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. The solution should not be used if discolored (it should be colorless), or cloudy, or if foreign particles are present. Rotate the injection site and use proper aseptic technique <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see How Supplied/Storage and Handling (16) and Patient Counseling Information (17) ]</span> .

2.2 Premedication and Concomitant Medication Because of the high incidence of nausea and vomiting with apomorphine hydrocloride treatment, an antiemetic, e.g., trimethobenzamide 300 mg three times a day, should be started 3 days prior to the initial dose of apomorphine hydrocloride <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]</span>. Treatment with trimethobenzamide should only be continued as long as necessary to control nausea and vomiting, and generally no longer than two months after initiation of treatment with apomorphine hydrocloride, as trimethobenzamide increases the incidence of somnolence, dizziness and falls in patients treated with apomorphine hydrocloride <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]</span> . Based on reports of profound hypotension and loss of consciousness when apomorphine was administered with ondansetron, the concomitant use of apomorphine with drugs of the 5HT 3 antagonist class including antiemetics (for example, ondansetron, granisetron, dolasetron, palonosetron) and alosetron are contraindicated <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Contraindications (4) ]</span>.

2.3 Dosing Information The recommended starting dose of apomorphine hydrocloride is 0.2 mL (2 mg). Titrate on the basis of effectiveness and tolerance, up to a maximum recommended dose of 0.6 mL (6 mg) <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Clinical Studies (14) ]</span> . There is no evidence from controlled trials that doses greater than 0.6 mL (6 mg) gave an increased effect and therefore, individual doses above 0.6 mL (6 mg) are not recommended. The average frequency of dosing in the development program was 3 times per day. There is limited experience with single doses greater than 0.6 mL (6 mg), dosing more than 5 times per day and with total daily doses greater than 2 mL (20 mg). Begin dosing when patients are in an &quot;off&quot; state. The initial dose should be a 0.2 mL (2 mg) test dose in a setting where medical personnel can closely monitor blood pressure and pulse. Both supine and standing blood pressure and pulse should be checked pre-dose and at 20 minutes, 40 minutes, and 60 minutes post-dose (and after 60 minutes, if there is significant hypotension at 60 minutes). Patients who develop clinically significant orthostatic hypotension in response to this test dose of apomorphine hydrocloride should not be considered candidates for treatment with apomorphine hydrocloride. If the patient tolerates the 0.2 mL (2 mg) dose, and responds adequately, the starting dose should be 0.2 mL (2 mg), used on an as needed basis to treat recurring &quot;off&quot; episodes. If needed, the dose can be increased in 0.1 mL (1 mg) increments every few days on an outpatient basis. The general principle guiding subsequent dosing (described in detail below) is to determine that the patient needs and can tolerate a higher test dose, 0.3 mL or 0.4 mL (3 mg or 4 mg, respectively) under close medical supervision. A trial of outpatient dosing may follow (periodically assessing both efficacy and tolerability), using a dose 0.1 mL (1 mg) lower than the tolerated test dose. If the patient tolerates the 0.2 mL (2 mg) test dose but does not respond adequately, a dose of 0.4 mL (4 mg) may be administered under medical supervision, at least 2 hours after the initial test dose, at the next observed &quot;off&quot; period. If the patient tolerates and responds to a test dose of 0.4 mL (4 mg), the initial maintenance dose should be 0.3 mL (3 mg) used on an as needed basis to treat recurring &quot;off&quot; episodes as an outpatient. If needed, the dose can be increased in 0.1 mL (1 mg) increments every few days on an outpatient basis. If the patient does not tolerate a test dose of 0.4 mL (4 mg), a test dose of 0.3 mL (3 mg) may be administered during a separate &quot;off&quot; period under medical supervision, at least 2 hours after the previous dose. If the patient tolerates the 0.3 mL (3 mg) test dose, the initial maintenance dose should be 0.2 mL (2 mg) used on an as needed basis to treat existing &quot;off&quot; episodes. If needed, and the 0.2 mL (2 mg) dose is tolerated, the dose can be increased to 0.3 mL (3 mg) after a few days. In such a patient, the dose should ordinarily not be increased to 0.4 mL (4 mg) on an outpatient basis.

2.4 Dosing in Patients with Renal Impairment For patients with mild and moderate renal impairment, the test dose and starting dose should be reduced to 0.1 mL (1 mg) <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) and Use in Specific Populations (8.6) ]</span> .

2.5 Re-treatment and Interruption in Therapy If a single dose of apomorphine hydrocloride is ineffective for a particular &quot;off&quot; period, a second dose should not be given for that &quot;off&quot; episode. The efficacy of the safety of administering a second dose for a single &quot;off&quot; episode has not been studied systematically. Do not administer a repeat dose of apomorphine hydrocloride sooner than 2 hours after the last dose. Patients who have an interruption in therapy of more than a week should be restarted on a 0.2 mL (2 mg) dose and gradually titrated to effect and tolerability.

Apomorphine hydrocloride is contraindicated in patients: Using concomitant drugs of the 5HT 3 antagonist class including antiemetics (e.g., ondansetron, granisetron, dolasetron, palonosetron) and alosetron [see Drug Interactions (7.1) ] . There have been reports of profound hypotension and loss of consciousness when apomorphine hydrocloride was administered with ondansetron. With hypersensitivity/allergic reaction to apomorphine or to any of the excipients of apomorphine hydrocloride, including a sulfite (i.e., sodium metabisulfite). Angioedema or anaphylaxis may occur [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12) ]. Concomitant use of apomorphine hydrocloride with 5HT 3 antagonists, including antiemetics (e.g., ondansetron, granisetron, dolasetron, palonosetron) and alosetron, is contraindicated ( 4 ) Hypersensitivity to apomorphine, its excipients or sodium metabisulfite ( 4 , 5.12 )

REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Serious Adverse Reactions After Intravenous Administration [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Nausea and Vomiting [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]

Falling Asleep During

Activities of Daily Living and Somnolence [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ]

Syncope/Hypotension/Orthostatic

Hypotension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Falls [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ]

Infusion Site

Reactions and Infections [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Hallucinations/Psychotic-Like Behavior [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Dyskinesia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ]

Hemolytic

Anemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ]

Impulse Control/Compulsive

Behaviors [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) ]

Cardiac

Events [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11) ] QTc Prolongation and Potential for Proarrhythmic Effects [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12) ] Hypersensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.13) ]

Fibrotic

Complications [see Warnings and Precautions (5.14) ] Priapism [see Warnings and Precautions (5.15) ] Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥10% on ONAPGO and at least twice the rate of placebo) were infusion site nodule, nausea, somnolence, infusion site erythema, dyskinesia, headache, and insomnia. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact MDD US Operations, LLC, a subsidiary of Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. at toll-free number 1-833-366-2746 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. A total of 197 Parkinson&apos;s disease patients were exposed to ONAPGO in Study 1 and subsequent open-label studies.

In Study

1 [see Clinical Studies (14) ], the most common adverse reactions (incidence 10% or greater in patients treated with ONAPGO and at a rate at least twice the placebo rate) were infusion site nodule, nausea, somnolence, infusion site erythema, dyskinesia, headache, and insomnia.

Table

1 presents adverse reactions that occurred in ≥5% of patients treated with ONAPGO and that occurred more frequently than placebo in patients who were enrolled in Study 1.

Table

1: Adverse Reactions Reported by ≥5% of Patients Treated with ONAPGO and More Frequently than Placebo in Study 1 ONAPGO Variable doses [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)] N=54 % Placebo N=53 % Infusion site nodule 44 0 Nausea 22 9 Somnolence 22 4 Infusion site erythema 17 4 Dyskinesia 15 0 Headache 13 4 Insomnia 11 2 Dizziness 9 4 Hypotension 7 0 Asthenia 7 0 Fatigue 7 2 Constipation 7 6 Vomiting 7 4 Infusion Site Reactions In Study 1, infusion site reactions were most commonly reported as nodule formation (44% of patients treated with ONAPGO compared to no patients who received placebo) or erythema (17% of patients treated with ONAPGO compared to 4% of patients who received placebo).

Less Common Adverse Reactions

Other adverse reactions, including hallucinations, psychotic disorder, impulse control disorder, prolonged QT interval, and infusion site infections [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] , have been reported in patients treated with ONAPGO [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7 , 5.10 . 5.12) ].

Adverse Reactions

Leading to Discontinuation of ONAPGO Treatment Six (11%) of patients treated with ONAPGO reported one of the following adverse reactions as the reason for discontinuing from Study 1: nausea, orthostatic intolerance, visual hallucination, gait disturbance, infusion site nodule, and hypotension. None of the patients who received placebo discontinued from Study 1 because of an adverse reaction.

6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of apomorphine. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Hematologic and Lymphatic Systems: hemolytic anemia <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ]</span>

AND PRECAUTIONS Subcutaneous use only; thrombus formation and pulmonary embolism have followed intravenous administration of ONAPGO. ( 5.1 ) May cause nausea and vomiting. ( 2.2 , 5.2 ) Falling asleep during activities of daily living and daytime somnolence may occur. ( 5.3 ) May cause hypotension/orthostatic hypotension and syncope may occur. ( 5.4 ) May cause or increase the risk of falls. ( 5.5 ) May cause infusion site reactions and infections. Monitor and change infusion site every day. ( 2.4 , 5.6 ) May cause hallucinations and psychotic-like behavior. ( 5.7 ) May cause dyskinesia or exacerbate pre-existing dyskinesia. ( 5.8 ) May cause hemolytic anemia. ( 5.9 ) May cause impulse control/ compulsive and impulsive behaviors. Consider dose reductions or stopping ONAPGO. ( 5.10 ) May cause cardiac events. ( 5.11 ) May prolong QTc and cause torsades de pointes or sudden death. ( 5.12 )

5.1 Serious Adverse Reactions After Intravenous Administration Following intravenous administration of apomorphine, serious adverse reactions including thrombus formation and pulmonary embolism caused by intravenous crystallization of apomorphine have occurred. Do not administer ONAPGO intravenously.

5.2 Nausea and Vomiting ONAPGO is known to cause nausea and vomiting, which may be severe.

In Study

1 [see Clinical Studies (14) ] 87% of patients were pretreated with an antiemetic. Twenty-two percent of patients treated with ONAPGO reported nausea and 7% reported vomiting, compared to 9% and 4%, respectively, of patients who received placebo. The ability of concomitantly administered antiemetic drugs (other than trimethobenzamide) to reduce apomorphine-associated nausea/vomiting has not been studied. Antiemetics with anti-dopaminergic actions (e.g., haloperidol, chlorpromazine, promethazine, prochlorperazine, metoclopramide) have the potential to worsen the symptoms in patients with PD and therefore the benefits and risks of treatment with these antiemetics should be carefully considered. The use of ONAPGO with 5HT 3 antiemetics is contraindicated.

5.3 Falling Asleep During Activities of Daily Living and Somnolence Somnolence is commonly associated with ONAPGO . Patients treated with dopaminergic medications, including apomorphine, have also reported falling asleep while engaged in activities of daily living, including the operation of motor vehicles, which sometimes resulted in accidents. Patients may not perceive warning signs, such as excessive drowsiness, or they may report feeling alert immediately prior to the event. In the double-blind placebo-controlled trial (Study 1), somnolence was reported in 22% of patients treated with ONAPGO and 4% of patients in the placebo group. Falling asleep while engaged in activities of daily living usually occurs in patients experiencing preexisting somnolence, although patients may not give such a history. Therefore, prescribers should reassess patients for drowsiness or sleepiness while using ONAPGO, especially because some of the events occur well after the start of treatment. Prescribers should also be aware that patients may not acknowledge drowsiness or sleepiness until directly questioned about drowsiness or sleepiness during specific activities. Before initiating treatment with ONAPGO, advise patients of the risk of drowsiness and ask them about factors that could increase the risk with ONAPGO, such as concomitant sedating medications and the presence of sleep disorders. If a patient develops significant daytime sleepiness or falls asleep during activities that require active participation (e.g., conversations, eating, etc.), ONAPGO should ordinarily be discontinued. If a decision is made to continue ONAPGO, patients should be advised not to drive and to avoid other potentially dangerous activities. There is insufficient information to determine whether dose reduction will eliminate episodes of falling asleep while engaged in activities of daily living.

5.4 Syncope/Hypotension/Orthostatic Hypotension Dopamine agonists, including ONAPGO, may cause orthostatic hypotension at any time, but especially during dose escalation. Patients with PD may also have an impaired capacity to respond to an orthostatic challenge. For these reasons, PD patients being treated with dopaminergic agonists should be monitored for signs and symptoms of orthostatic hypotension, especially during dose escalation, and should be informed of this risk. When evaluated at various times after dosing in Study 1, patients undergoing titration of ONAPGO showed an increased incidence (from 4.5% pre-dose to 44.4% post-dose) of systolic orthostatic hypotension (≥ 20 mm Hg decrease upon standing) compared to placebo (7.1% pre-dose to 16.3% post-dose). Similarly, increased incidences of diastolic orthostatic hypotension (≥ 10 mm Hg decrease upon standing) were noted in patients titrated with ONAPGO (4.5% pre-dose to 44.4% post-dose) compared to placebo (11.9% pre-dose to 30.2% post-dose). Through the 12-week treatment period, these differences in incidence rates for systolic and diastolic orthostatic hypotension remained similar between ONAPGO and placebo patients. Patients in both ONAPGO and placebo groups developed severe systolic orthostatic hypotension (≥ 40 mm Hg decrease) and/or diastolic orthostatic hypotension (≥ 20 mm Hg decrease).

In Study

1, 13% of patients treated with ONAPGO reported hypotension or orthostatic hypotension compared to 2% of patients who received placebo [hypotension (7% vs 0%), orthostatic hypotension (4% vs 2%), and orthostatic intolerance (2% vs 0%)]. In the double-blind period of Study 1, one patient (2%) experienced a serious adverse event of hypotension and withdrew from the study compared to none in placebo. Syncope has been reported in patients who have received subcutaneous apomorphine. Patients with PD may also have an impaired capacity to respond to an orthostatic challenge. For these reasons, PD patients being treated with dopaminergic agonists ordinarily require careful monitoring for signs and symptoms of orthostatic hypotension, especially during dose escalation, and should be informed of this risk. Patients should avoid alcohol when using ONAPGO [see Drug Interactions (7.3) ] . Patients taking ONAPGO should lie down before and after taking sublingual nitroglycerin. Other vasodilators and antihypertensives may also increase the hypotensive effects of ONAPGO. Monitor blood pressure for hypotension and orthostatic hypotension in patients taking ONAPGO with concomitant antihypertensive medications or vasodilators [see Drug Interactions (7.2) ].

5.5 Falls Patients with Parkinson&apos;s disease are at risk of falling due to underlying postural instability, possible autonomic instability, and syncope caused by the blood pressure lowering effects of the drugs used to treat Parkinson&apos;s disease. ONAPGO might increase the risk of falling by simultaneously lowering blood pressure and altering mobility <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) ]</span>. Falls, including serious falls, have been reported in patients treated with apomorphine.

5.6 Infusion Site Reactions and Infections ONAPGO can cause infusion site reactions and infections.

In Study

1, one or more infusion site reactions were reported in 63% of patients treated with ONAPGO and 15% in patients who received placebo. Various types of reactions at the infusion site have been reported including nodules, erythema, hematomas, inflammation, pruritus, swelling, discoloration, hemorrhage, hypersensitivity, induration, edema, pain, rash, or bruising [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] .

In Study

1, 2% of patients treated with ONAPGO and no patient who received placebo discontinued treatment because of an infusion site reaction. Infusion site infections occurred in 4% of patients treated with ONAPGO compared to no patients who received placebo. The most frequent infusion site infection reported was cellulitis. If an infection is suspected at the infusion site, the cannula should be removed from the infusion site. If the cannula is removed for an infection, a new cannula should be placed at a new infusion site. In the event of a prolonged interruption of treatment with ONAPGO, the patient should be prescribed oral medications to treat their Parkinson's disease [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) ].

5.7 Hallucinations/Psychotic-Like Behavior In Study 1, 4% of patients treated with ONAPGO reported hallucinations compared to 4% of patients who received placebo. Psychotic disorder was reported in 2% of patients treated with ONAPGO compared to none who received placebo. Postmarketing reports with intermittent subcutaneous apomorphine indicate that patients may experience new or worsening mental status and behavioral changes, which may be severe, including psychotic-like behavior after starting or increasing the dose of apomorphine. Other drugs prescribed to improve the symptoms of PD can have similar effects on thinking and behavior. This abnormal thinking and behavior can consist of one or more of a variety of manifestations, including paranoid ideation, delusions, hallucinations, confusion, disorientation, aggressive behavior, agitation, and delirium. Consider the risks and benefits prior to initiating treatment with ONAPGO in patients with a major psychotic disorder because of the risk of exacerbating psychosis. In addition, certain medications used to treat psychosis may exacerbate the symptoms of PD and may decrease the effectiveness of ONAPGO <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Drug Interactions (7.3) ]</span> .

5.8 Dyskinesia ONAPGO may cause dyskinesia or exacerbate pre-existing dyskinesia.

In Study

1, dyskinesia or worsening of dyskinesia was reported in approximately 15% of patients treated with ONAPGO compared to no patients who received placebo.

5.9 Hemolytic Anemia Hemolytic anemia requiring hospitalization has been reported with apomorphine treatment in a postmarketing setting. Many of the reported cases included positive direct antiglobulin test (Coombs test), suggesting a potential immune-mediated hemolysis. Severe anemia, angina, and dyspnea have occurred with hemolytic anemia. Some patients were treated with high dose glucocorticoids or blood transfusions. Hemolytic anemia can occur at any time after apomorphine treatment. If a patient develops anemia while taking ONAPGO, consider a workup for hemolytic anemia. If hemolytic anemia occurs, consider discontinuing treatment with ONAPGO.

In Study

1, hemolytic anemia was reported in 2% of patients treated with ONAPGO compared to no patient who received placebo.

5.10 Impulse Control/Compulsive Behaviors Patients may experience intense urges to gamble, increased sexual urges, intense urges to spend money uncontrollably, and other intense urges and the inability to control these urges while taking one or more of the medications, including ONAPGO, that increase central dopaminergic tone and that are generally used for the treatment of PD. In some cases, although not all, these urges were reported to have stopped when the dose was reduced, or the medication was discontinued. Because patients may not recognize these behaviors as abnormal, it is important for prescribers to specifically ask patients or their caregivers about the development of new or increased gambling urges, sexual urges, uncontrolled spending, or other urges while being treated with ONAPGO. Physicians should consider dose reduction or stopping the medication if a patient develops such urges while taking ONAPGO

5.11 Cardiac Events In Study 1, 4 patients treated with ONAPGO experienced cardiac disorders, including left bundle branch block (2%), myocardial infarction (2%), palpitations (2%), or tachycardia (2%), compared to no patients who received placebo. In patients treated with apomorphine subcutaneous injection, cardiac arrest and/or sudden death has occurred; some cases of angina and myocardial infarction occurred in close proximity to apomorphine dosing (within 2 hours), while other cases of cardiac arrest and sudden death were observed at times unrelated to dosing. ONAPGO has been shown to reduce resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure and may have the potential to exacerbate cardiac (and cerebral) ischemia in patients with known cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. If patients develop signs and symptoms of cardiac or cerebral ischemia, prescribers should re-evaluate the continued use of ONAPGO.

5.12 QTc Prolongation and Potential for Proarrhythmic Effects There is a dose-related prolongation of QTc interval after apomorphine exposure similar to that achieved with therapeutic doses of ONAPGO <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) ]</span> .

In Study

1, 4% of patients treated with ONAPGO experienced prolonged QTc interval compared to none who received placebo. Drugs that prolong the QTc interval have been associated with torsades de pointes and sudden death. The relationship of QTc prolongation to torsades de pointes is clearest for larger increases (20 msec and greater), but it is possible that smaller QTc prolongations may also increase risk, or increase it in susceptible individuals, such as those with hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, bradycardia, concomitant use of other drugs that prolong the QTc interval, or genetic predisposition (e.g., congenital prolongation of the QT interval). Although torsades de pointes has not been observed in association with the use of ONAPGO at recommended doses in clinical studies, experience is too limited to rule out an increased risk. Palpitations and syncope may signal the occurrence of an episode of torsades de pointes. The risks and benefits of ONAPGO treatment should be considered prior to initiating treatment with ONAPGO in patients with risk factors for prolonged QTc.

5.13 Hypersensitivity In Study 1, 11% of patients treated with ONAPGO reported rash (4%), infusion site pruritus (4%), infusion site rash (2%), hypersensitivity (2%), or infusion site hypersensitivity (2%) compared to no patient who received placebo. Hypersensitivity/allergic reactions characterized by urticaria, rash, pruritus, and/or various manifestations of angioedema may occur because of ONAPGO or because of its sulfite excipient. ONAPGO contains sodium metabisulfite, a sulfite that may cause allergic-type reactions, including anaphylactic symptoms and life-threatening or less severe asthmatic episodes in certain susceptible people. The overall prevalence of sulfite sensitivity in the general population is unknown and probably low. Sulfite sensitivity is seen more frequently in asthmatic than in nonasthmatic people.

5.14 Fibrotic Complications Cases of retroperitoneal fibrosis, pulmonary infiltrates, pleural effusion, pleural thickening, and cardiac valvulopathy have been reported in some patients treated with ergot-derived dopaminergic agents. While these complications may resolve when the drug is discontinued, complete resolution does not always occur. Although these adverse reactions are believed to be related to the ergoline structure of these dopamine agonists, whether other, non-ergot-derived dopamine agonists, such as ONAPGO, can cause these reactions is unknown.

5.15 Priapism In clinical studies of intermittent apomorphine injection, painful erections were reported in 3 of 361 men treated with subcutaneous injection, and one patient withdrew from therapy because of priapism. Although no patients in the clinical studies required surgical intervention, severe priapism may require surgical intervention.

5.16 Retinal Pathology in Albino Rats In a two-year carcinogenicity study of apomorphine in albino rat, retinal atrophy was detected at all subcutaneous doses tested (up to 0.8 mg/kg/day or 2 mg/kg/day in males or females, respectively; less than the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 98 mg/day on a body surface area [mg/m 2 ] basis). Retinal atrophy/degeneration has been observed in albino rats treated with other dopamine agonists for prolonged periods (generally during two-year carcinogenicity studies). Retinal findings were not observed in a 39-week subcutaneous toxicity study of apomorphine in monkey at doses up to 1.5 mg/kg/day, a dose similar to the MRHD on a mg/m 2 basis. The clinical significance of the finding in rat has not been established but cannot be disregarded because disruption of a mechanism that is universally present in vertebrates (e.g., disk shedding) may be involved.

INTERACTIONS Concomitant use of antihypertensive medications and vasodilators: increased risk for hypotension, myocardial infarction, pneumonia, falls, and injuries ( 7.2 ) Dopamine antagonists such as neuroleptics or metoclopramide, may diminish the effectiveness of apomorphine hydrocloride ( 7.4 ) 7.1 5HT 3 Antagonists Based on reports of profound hypotension and loss of consciousness when apomorphine hydrocloride was administered with ondansetron, the concomitant use of apomorphine hydrocloride with 5HT 3 antagonists including antiemetics (for example, ondansetron, granisetron, dolasetron, palonosetron) and alosetron, is contraindicated.

7.2 Antihypertensive Medications and Vasodilators In clinical studies, the following adverse events were experienced more commonly in patients receiving concomitant antihypertensive medications or vasodilators (n=94) than in patients not receiving these medications (n=456): hypotension (10% vs 4%) <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ]</span> , myocardial infarction (3% vs 1%), serious pneumonia (5% vs 3%), serious falls (9% vs 3%), and bone and joint injuries (6% vs 2%). Some of the events may be related to the increased incidence of hypotension in patients receiving concomitant antihypertensive medications or vasodilators <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Warnings and Precautions (5.4 , 5.5) ]</span> . Concomitant administration of 0.4 mg sublingual nitroglycerin with apomorphine hydrocloride in healthy subjects causes greater decreases in blood pressure compared to apomorphine hydrocloride alone. When nitroglycerin and apomorphine hydrocloride were concomitantly administered to healthy subjects, the mean largest decrease (the mean of each subject&apos;s largest drop in blood pressure measured within the 6-hour period following administration of apomorphine hydrocloride) in supine systolic and diastolic blood pressure (measured over 6 hours) was 9.7 mm Hg and 9.3 mm Hg, respectively <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]</span>. The mean largest decrease in standing systolic and diastolic blood pressure was 14.3 mm Hg and 13.5 mm Hg, respectively. Some individuals experienced very large decreases in standing systolic and diastolic blood pressure, up to a maximum decrease of 65 mm Hg and 43 mm Hg, respectively. In comparison, the mean largest decrease in supine systolic and diastolic blood pressure when apomorphine hydrocloride was administered alone was 6.1 mm Hg and 7.3 mm Hg, respectively, and in standing systolic and diastolic blood pressure was 6.7 mm Hg and 8.4 mm Hg, respectively. Patients taking apomorphine hydrocloride should lie down before and after taking sublingual nitroglycerin <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ]</span>.

7.3 Alcohol Concomitant administration of high dose (0.6 g/kg) or low dose (0.3 g/kg) ethanol with apomorphine hydrocloride in healthy subjects causes greater decreases in blood pressure compared to apomorphine hydrocloride alone. When high dose ethanol and apomorphine hydrocloride were concomitantly administered to healthy subjects, the mean largest decrease (the mean of each subject&apos;s largest drop in blood pressure measured within the 6-hour period following administration of apomorphine hydrocloride) for supine systolic and diastolic blood pressure was 9.1 mm Hg and 10.5 mm Hg, respectively <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]</span>. The mean largest standing systolic and diastolic blood pressure decrease was 11.3 mm Hg and 12.6 mm Hg, respectively. In some individuals, the decrease was as high as 61 mm Hg and 51 mm Hg, respectively, for standing systolic and diastolic blood pressure. When low dose ethanol and apomorphine hydrocloride were concomitantly administered, the mean largest decrease in supine systolic and diastolic blood pressure was 10.2 mm Hg and 9.9 mm Hg, respectively. The mean largest decrease in standing systolic and diastolic blood pressure was 8.4 mm Hg and 7.1 mm Hg, respectively. In comparison, the mean largest decrease in supine systolic and diastolic blood pressure when apomorphine hydrocloride was administered alone was 6.1 mm Hg and 7.3 mm Hg, respectively, and in standing systolic and diastolic blood pressure was 6.7 mm Hg 8.4 mm Hg, respectively. Patients should avoid drinking alcohol after using apomorphine hydrocloride <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ]</span>.

7.4 Dopamine Antagonists Since apomorphine hydrocloride is a dopamine agonist, it is possible that concomitant use of dopamine antagonists, such as the neuroleptics (phenothiazines, butyrophenones, thioxanthenes) or metoclopramide, may diminish the effectiveness of apomorphine hydrocloride. Patients with major psychotic disorders, treated with neuroleptics, should be treated with dopamine agonists only if the potential benefits outweigh the risks.

7.5 Drugs Prolonging the QT/QTc Interval Caution should be exercised when prescribing apomorphine hydrocloride concomitantly with drugs that prolong the QT/QTc interval <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) ]</span> .