What Is Apomorphine? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Apomorphine is a medication used to treat advanced Parkinson's disease. Despite having "morphine" in its name, it is not an opioid and is not related to morphine—it does not relieve pain, and it does not cause opioid-type dependence. Instead, apomorphine works directly on the brain's dopamine system to temporarily restore movement control when Parkinson's symptoms break through other medications. This guide explains everything you need to know about apomorphine in plain language.

What Is Apomorphine Used For?

Apomorphine is FDA-approved for the acute, intermittent treatment of hypomobility "off" episodes in people with advanced Parkinson's disease. "Off" episodes are times when Parkinson's symptoms—such as rigidity, tremor, slow movement, and difficulty walking—return because the regular medication (usually levodopa) has worn off or become less effective.

Apomorphine acts as a "rescue" medication—it is used when an off episode occurs, not as a regular daily maintenance drug. It works rapidly (within 10–20 minutes) to bring patients back to their "on" state, restoring better mobility for 45–90 minutes per dose.

What Are the Brand Names for Apomorphine?

In the United States, apomorphine is available under two current brand names:

Apokyn: A subcutaneous (under-the-skin) injection pen, used as-needed when off episodes occur. First FDA approved in 2004. A generic version is now available from TruPharma.

Onapgo: A wearable continuous subcutaneous infusion device approved by the FDA in February 2025. Onapgo delivers apomorphine continuously over 16 waking hours for more consistent motor control throughout the day.

Kynmobi (apomorphine sublingual film) has been discontinued in the US market.

How Is Apomorphine Given?

Apomorphine cannot be taken by mouth. When swallowed, the liver destroys it before it can reach the brain—a process called first-pass metabolism. It must be given under the skin (subcutaneously).

For Apokyn injection: The injection can be given in the abdomen (at least 2 inches from the belly button), upper arm, or upper thigh. Rotate injection sites with every dose to prevent skin nodules. The solution should be clear and colorless—do not use it if it has turned green or contains particles.

For Onapgo: A small cannula (thin tube) is placed under the skin and connected to the wearable pump device. The device delivers a continuous, low dose throughout the waking day and can also deliver extra doses when needed.

What Is the Dose of Apomorphine?

Dosing for Apokyn (as-needed injection):

Starting dose: 0.2 mL (2 mg), given under medical supervision on the first occasion

Titration: Adjusted up or down based on response and tolerability

Maximum single dose: 0.6 mL (6 mg)

Doses must be at least 2 hours apart; maximum ~5 times per day; maximum ~20 mg/day

Dosing for Onapgo (continuous infusion):

Starting continuous dose: 1 mg/hr

Titration: Increased in 0.5–1 mg/hr increments; mean clinical dose ~4 mg/hr

Maximum total daily dose: 98 mg, administered over ~16 waking hours

Important Things to Know Before Starting Apomorphine

Anti-nausea medicine required: Trimethobenzamide must be started 3 days before your first dose to prevent severe nausea and vomiting.

First dose in clinic: Your first dose must be given under medical supervision at your doctor's office or clinic. You cannot start apomorphine at home.

Not a controlled substance: Despite having 'morphine' in its name, apomorphine is NOT a DEA-scheduled controlled substance. It does not bind to opioid receptors.

Specialty pharmacy only: Apomorphine can only be filled at specialty pharmacies, not standard retail pharmacies.

Ondansetron (Zofran) is contraindicated: Taking ondansetron or other 5-HT3 antagonists with apomorphine can cause life-threatening low blood pressure and loss of consciousness.

To understand how apomorphine works in the brain, read our companion guide: How does apomorphine work? Mechanism of action explained in plain English.

If you have trouble finding apomorphine in stock, medfinder calls pharmacies near you to find which ones have it available.