Overview of the instructions for Foscarbidopa/Foscarbidopa for Injection

Indications:

For the treatment of fluctuations in motor symptoms in adults with progressive Parkinson's disease (PD).

Mechanism of action:

Carbidopa, as a decarboxylase inhibitor, can prevent levodopa from being converted into dopamine in the periphery, thereby allowing more levodopa to enter the brain and be converted into dopamine in the brain. Levodopa is the precursor of dopamine, which can replenish the level of dopamine in the brain reduced by Parkinson's disease and improve the movement disorders of patients with Parkinson's disease. The combined application of the two not only improves the therapeutic effect, but also reduces peripheral side effects.

Medication method:

The initial dose and infusion rate need to be determined based on the patient's levodopa equivalent dose and tolerance, and then gradually adjusted based on the patient's condition and symptom improvement. The maximum recommended daily dose is 3,525 mg of levodopa phosphate (equivalent to approximately 2,500 mg of levodopa). The specific usage and dosage should follow the doctor's advice and do not adjust on your own.

Side effects:

Injection site reactions: including pain, redness, swelling, induration, and even infection at the injection site. These reactions are usually related to the method of subcutaneous infusion, which requires regular changes of injection sites, keeping the skin clean, and paying close attention to the skin condition.

Gastrointestinal discomfort: Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and diarrhea may occur. These symptoms may be related to the irritation of the gastrointestinal tract by the drug. They are generally mild, but if they are serious, you need to inform your doctor in time.

Movement disorders: such as dyskinesia (involuntary choreo-like movements, athetosis, etc.) and "switch" phenomenon (patients suddenly experience limb stiffness and inability to move, and then return to normal after a few minutes). These movement disorders may be related to the drug's effect on dopamine receptors, and the dose needs to be adjusted according to the condition.

Psychiatric symptoms: Psychiatric symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, depression, and anxiety may occur. These symptoms may be severe, and the patient's mental status needs to be closely monitored and treatment plans adjusted if necessary.

Warnings and precautions:

Risk of psychosis: Patients taking foscarbidopa/foscarbidopa may be at increased risk for hallucinations and psychosis. Patients with severe mental illness should not use this drug to avoid worsening of their condition.

Avoid sudden discontinuation: Abrupt discontinuation or rapid reduction of foscarbidopa dosage may cause withdrawal symptoms such as high fever and confusion. Therefore, discontinuation or dose reduction should be done under the guidance of a doctor.

Drug interactions:

If you have used any monoamine oxidase inhibitors in the past two weeks (14 days), including but not limited to linezolid, methyl blue injection, phenelzine, or dextromethamine (also an example name, the actual generic name or trade name of the drug should prevail), please be sure not to use foscarbidopa/foscarbidopa. Because taking these medicines with foscarbidopa/foscarbidopa may cause severe hypertensive reactions, posing a threat to your health. Be sure to tell your doctor your medication history to ensure safe use.

Medication for special populations:

Pregnant and lactating women, patients with severe cardiovascular disease, patients with liver and kidney dysfunction and other special groups should use this product with caution.

Reference materials:https://www.vyalev.com/