Has anyone tried Apokyn?

[Jenette]

[maryalice]

My doctor recommended it, but I haven't tried it yet. He said that it can be used only when I needed it. I just didn't like the idea of giving myself a shot. I read some where that they are trying to come up with an inhaler. hope this helps.

[CheriH]

Hi Jenette, I have been taking Apokyn injections for almost 6 months now. I have periods of freezing, weakness, numbness and tingling in my left leg and arm. When this happens, I give myself an injection. Within 15 minutes I have my body back and it stays in my system 1 to 1 1/2 hours at max. It is a rescue drug not to be used in place of your PD meds. I use it only when my meds wear off. My neurologist does not want me to inject more than 3 times daily. Some days, I inject 3 times, other days 1 or on a good day, I don't need the Apokyn. I, too, did not think I could give myself an injection; but you will be surprised what you can do when you have to! It isn't that bad. The needles are very small. The Apokyn has helped me tremendously. My only other choice was DBS....this was the lesser of the 2 evils, and the great thing is that it works!

[Traveler in reply to CheriH]

Apokyn gave me my life back!

I can walk 3 miles per hour with long strides & perfectly swinging arms! It's so fun! I swear the tiny, pen needle doesn't hurt! (I'm such a baby, I could never wear contact lenses, but I "shoot up" against PD several times a day!

It's great to move perfectly when I choose, 5 times every day!

I can get bruising, so if I'm going to wear something short sleeved, I'll only do shots on my tummy or thigh.

Exactly 8 minutes after an injection, I'm pre-Parkinson's for one hour.

My insurance & financial assistance pays it all!