Good news
Commenting on the study, Ludy Shih, MD, MMSc, from Boston University, noted that the drug label reports that “13%-15% had oropharyngeal soft tissue swelling or pain ... and 7% had oral ulcers and stomatitis.”
In addition, oral trimethobenzamide has been discontinued, although an injectable form is still available. This situation may present a problem, she said. “Most antinausea drugs block dopamine, so ... I would say they’re contraindicated for treating people with Parkinson’s disease. But trimethobenzamide in particular is one that we often reach for. ... But that appears to be constrained and may, in fact, be expensive for patients.”
Turning to the study findings, she said they suggest that “not everyone needs prophylactic use of trimethobenzamide before they take the apomorphine sublingual film, which is good news that helps doctors try to decide whether or not it’s reasonable to recommend people trying it without the trimethobenzamide.”
Although some patients did experience mild nausea, she said the fact that no needle is involved may attract some patients. Moreover, taking this medication may be easier than administering an injection during an “off” episode.
Dr. Ondo is a consultant for Sunovion Pharmaceuticals, which sponsored the study. Dr. Shih had no relevant disclosures.
A version of this article first appeared on Medscape.com.