Apomorphine has some of the same effects as a chemical called dopamine, which occurs naturally in your body. Low levels of dopamine in the brain are associated with Parkinson's disease.

Apomorphine is used to treat "wearing-off" episodes (muscle stiffness, loss of muscle control) in people with advanced Parkinson's disease.

Apomorphine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not use apomorphine if you also taking alosetron (Lotronex), dolasetron (Anzemet), granisetron (Kytril), ondansetron (Zofran), or palonosetron (Aloxi).

Before using apomorphine, tell your doctor if you have an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood), a slow heart rate, low blood pressure or dizzy spells, a history of "Long QT syndrome," a history of stroke or heart attack, asthma, sulfite allergy, or liver or kidney disease.

Apomorphine may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Some people using this medicine have fallen asleep during normal daytime activities such as talking, eating, or driving. You may fall asleep suddenly, even after feeling alert. If this happens to you, stop taking apomorphine and talk with your doctor.

You may have increased sexual urges, unusual urges to gamble, or other intense urges while taking this medication. Talk with your doctor if you believe you have any intense or unusual urges while taking apomorphine.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to apomorphine, or if you are using any of the following medications:

• alosetron (Lotronex);

• dolasetron (Anzemet);

• granisetron (Kytril);

• ondansetron (Zofran); or

• palonosetron (Aloxi).

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need an apomorphine dose adjustment or special tests:

• an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood);

• schizophrenia or similar mental illness;

• a slow heart rate;

• low blood pressure or dizzy spells;

• a personal or family history of "Long QT syndrome";

• a history of stroke or heart attack;

• asthma or sulfite allergy;

• liver disease; or

• kidney disease.

Some people using this medicine have fallen asleep during normal daytime activities such as talking, eating, or driving. You may fall asleep suddenly, even after feeling alert. If this happens to you, stop taking apomorphine and talk with your doctor.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether apomorphine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

It is not known whether apomorphine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are taking apomorphine.

Some people taking Parkinson's disease medications have developed skin cancer (melanoma). However, people with Parkinson's disease may have a higher risk of melanoma. Talk to your doctor about this risk and what skin symptoms to watch for. You may need to have regular skin exams.