{"id":41857,"date":"2024-02-28T10:07:41","date_gmt":"2024-02-28T15:07:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.parkinson.ca\/?p=41857"},"modified":"2024-02-28T10:29:42","modified_gmt":"2024-02-28T15:29:42","slug":"apo-go-pen-is-available-in-canada","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/archiveparkinson.thedev.ca\/fr\/apo-go-pen-is-available-in-canada\/","title":{"rendered":"APO-go\u00ae PEN is available in Canada"},"content":{"rendered":"

Apomorphine hydrochloride is a critical medication for the management of hypomobility. It is used to help with \u201coff\u201d episodes in people with advanced Parkinson\u2019s disease. Apomorphine hydrochloride under the brand name Movapo was discontinued in Canada, with supplies running out in October 2023.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Apomorphine hydrochloride is available again in Canada under the name <\/span>APO-go\u00ae PEN. <\/span><\/b>APO-go\u00ae PEN, is available in the United Kingdom (UK) with the same active ingredients as Movapo. Health Canada has permitted the exceptional, temporary importation of APO-go\u00ae PEN into Canada to fill the current gap and unmet need of people who were using or may benefit from this treatment in Canada. This importation serves as a temporary solution until the manufacturer completes the necessary regulatory approval process to bring apomorphine hydrochloride back to Canada on a more permanent basis.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What does this mean for you?<\/h3>\n

APO-go\u00ae PEN will be available by prescription in pharmacies across Canada. APO-go\u00ae PEN<\/span> is not currently eligible for reimbursement through public or private drug plans. If you are prescribed the APO-go\u00ae PEN, you<\/span> will need to pay the full cost of the medication at your pharmacy.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We know that paying for medications out-of-pocket can be a significant expense for people living with Parkinson\u2019s and a barrier to accessing the medications you need. Parkinson Canada and our partners will continue to work closely with Health Canada to find solutions for reimbursement for APO-go\u00ae PEN and improve ongoing access to this medication for those in our community that it benefits.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Parkinson Canada, along with our partners, are working hard to raise awareness on the impact of the loss of Movapo and helping to ensure apomorphine hydrochloride is available to Canadians. We\u2019ve been actively engaged in discussions with Health Canada and the manufacturers to facilitate the timely importation of apomorphine hydrochloride (APO-go\u00ae PEN). We understand how important medications such as apomorphine hydrochloride are to some people living with Parkinson\u2019s. Our efforts reflect a broader commitment to ensuring that those living with Parkinson’s have continuous access to effective and safe treatments.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What do I need to do now?<\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re a person living with Parkinson\u2019s who was taking Movapo, you should speak to your healthcare provider and pharmacist about whether replacing it with APO-go\u00ae PEN is the right option for you.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re a healthcare provider, consult the Canadian Product Monograph for Movapo, available in English and French on the Health Canada Drug Product Database (<\/span>Search criteria – Drug Product Database online query (canada.ca)<\/span><\/a>). It will provide information on appropriate use including the indications, contraindications, warnings and precautions, adverse reactions, drug interactions, dosage and administration, storage condition, and handling instructions.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Reporting adverse drug reactions<\/h3>\n

Adverse drug reactions associated with the use of APO-go PEN should be reported to Aguettant Canada Inc. by email at <\/span>safety@aguettant.ca<\/span><\/a> or by phone toll free at 1-833-772-6294. It should also be reported to Health Canada at here <\/a><\/span>or by calling toll-free at 1-866-234-2345.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Questions or concerns<\/h3>\n

For questions or concerns about UK-labelled APO-go PEN, please contact Aguettant Canada Inc. by phone at 514-772-6294 or toll-free at 1-833-772-6294.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Quick facts<\/h3>\n