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Inbrija vs. Apokyn

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Inbrija (levodopa) and Apokyn (apomorphine) are both used to manage "off" episodes in people with Parkinson's disease, but they have several differences. Inbrija is an anti-Parkinson agent that you inhale, and it works by replacing dopamine in the brain. It can be used up to 5 times a day and starts working in about 10 minutes. On the other hand, Apokyn is a dopamine agonist that you inject under the skin. It activates dopamine receptors and usually starts working within 20 minutes. Apokyn can cause severe nausea and vomiting, so you might need to take another medication to help with these side effects. Inbrija can cause coughing and darken your saliva, while Apokyn can cause low blood pressure and injection site reactions. Both medications require a prescription. Only Apokyn is available as a lower-cost generic.

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Inbrija

(levodopa)

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Apomorphine

(Apokyn)

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Summary for Inbrija

Prescription only

Inbrija (levodopa) is used to treat "off" episodes (periods when your medications are wearing off so your Parkinson's symptoms come back) in people with Parkinson's disease (PD). It comes as an inhaler that can be used as needed up to 5 times per day, but it can cause cough and darken your spit, saliva, and sweat.

Indications for Inbrija

  • Treat "off" episodes in people with Parkinson's disease who are taking medications containing carbidopa and levodopa (e.g., Sinemet, Rytary)

Pros and Cons for Inbrija

Pros

  • Can be useful for people whose PD medications wear off throughout the day
  • Can be taken first thing in the morning
  • Starts to work quickly in as soon as 10 minutes after you take the dose
  • Can be used up to 5 times per day

Cons

  • Only available as a brand medication so it can be expensive
  • Must inhale two capsules to get the full dose
  • Can only be used by people who are taking a carbidopa / levodopa medication (e.g., Sinemet, Rytary)
  • Can change the color of your spit, saliva, urine, and sweat

Common Side Effects for Inbrija

  • Cough (15%)
  • Cold or flu infections (6%)
  • Change in the color of your saliva or spit (5%)
  • Nausea (5%)

Warnings for Inbrija

  • Sleepiness or falling asleep during activities
  • High fevers and confusion
  • Hallucinations and changes in behavior and thoughts
  • Difficulty controlling impulsive behavior
  • Trouble breathing (bronchospasm) in people with lung conditions
  • High eye pressure

Summary for Apokyn

Prescription only

Apomorphine (Apokyn) is an injectable medication used for Parkinson's disease (PD). It helps treat the movement problems that happen between doses of your other Parkinson's medications, but it can cause a lot of nausea and vomiting.

Indications for Apokyn

  • "Off" episodes in people with advanced Parkinson's disease (PD)

Pros and Cons for Apokyn

Pros

  • Works quickly; most people feel the effects within 20 minutes
  • Comes as an easy-to-use pen
  • Medication and financial assistance available through the manufacturer's Circle of Care program, if needed

Cons

  • Causes severe nausea and vomiting
  • Can cause dangerously low blood pressure
  • Must be injected into the skin
  • Can be expensive and you might have to get it from a specialty pharmacy
  • Not a good option for someone with a sulfite allergy

Common Side Effects for Apokyn

  • Yawning (40%)
  • Involuntary movements (dyskinesia; 35%)
  • Drowsiness or sleepines (35%)
  • Nausea or vomiting (30%)
  • Injection site reactions (bruising, swelling, itching; 26%)
  • Dizziness or low blood pressure when standing up from a sitting or lying down position (20%)
  • Confusion or hallucination (10%)
  • Swelling of the arms or legs (10%)

Warnings for Apokyn

  • Severe nausea and vomiting
  • Sleepiness or falling asleep during activities
  • Low blood pressure and fainting
  • Hallucinations and changes in behavior and thoughts
  • Impulsive behavior
  • Risk of heart problems
  • Painful erections

Prices with our coupons for Inbrija vs. Apokyn

Price Card Drug Icon
Inbrija1 inhaler / 60 capsules of 42mg
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Price Card Drug Icon
Apomorphine5 cartridges / 3ml of 30mg/3ml
$1,534.73-
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