What are the side effects of levodopa inhalation powder mist (Inbrija)? Patient information

Levodopa Inhalation Powder (Inbrija) is an inhaled prescription medicine used to treat Parkinson's disease symptoms that come back (OFF attacks) while taking another medicine called carbidopa and levodopa. Although levodopa inhalation powder has a significant effect in improving symptoms of Parkinson's disease, patients still need to pay attention to possible side effects during use. The most common side effect is cough, which may affect more than 1 in 10 people. Additionally, other common side effects include falls, upper respiratory tract infections, movement disorders, and discoloration of sputum. These side effects are usually mild, but in some cases may affect the patient's daily life.

In addition to the common side effects listed above, medications containing levodopa can cause some serious side effects. For example, there are reports that levodopa may cause allergic edema and gastrointestinal bleeding. Additionally, medications containing levodopa and dopa decarboxylase inhibitors may cause serious side effects such as neuroleptic malignant syndrome and rhabdomyolysis (the breakdown of muscle fibers). Although rare, these conditions can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.

It should be noted that certain groups of people should not use levodopa inhalation powder . For example, patients with narrow-angle glaucoma or pheochromocytoma should avoid this drug. In addition, patients taking non-selective monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors or patients with a history of neuroleptic malignant syndrome or rhabdomyolysis should not use levodopa inhalation powder. Before using levodopa inhalation powder, patients should inform their doctor in detail about their health status and medication history to ensure safe medication.

In general, levodopa inhalation powder (Inbrija) has a significant effect in treating the "OFF" phase symptoms of Parkinson's disease, but patients should pay close attention to possible side effects during use and use the medication rationally under the guidance of a doctor. Through regular follow-up visits and timely adjustments to the treatment plan, the occurrence of side effects can be minimized while ensuring the therapeutic effect of the drug.

Reference link:https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/inbrija