Overview
11 DESCRIPTION VYALEV injection is a solution that is a combination of foscarbidopa (carbidopa-4´-monophosphate) and foslevodopa (levodopa-4´-monophosphate). Foscarbidopa and foslevodopa are prodrugs that undergo enzymatic bioconversion via intrinsic alkaline phosphatase to carbidopa and levodopa, respectively, in vivo .
Mechanism of Action
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY 12.1 Mechanism of Action VYALEV is a prodrug combination of foscarbidopa (carbidopa-4´-monophosphate) and foslevodopa (levodopa-4´-monophosphate). Foscarbidopa and foslevodopa are converted in vivo to carbidopa and levodopa. Carbidopa When levodopa is administered orally, it is rapidly decarboxylated to dopamine in extracerebral tissues so that only a small portion of a given dose is transported unchanged to the central nervous system. Carbidopa inhibits the decarboxylation of peripheral levodopa, making more levodopa available for delivery to the brain. Levodopa Levodopa is the metabolic precursor of dopamine, does cross the blood-brain barrier, and presumably is converted to dopamine in the brain.
Indications
- 1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE VYALEV is indicated for the treatment of motor fluctuations in adults with advanced Parkinson’s disease (PD). VYALEV is a combination of foscarbidopa (an aromatic amino acid decarboxylation inhibitor) and foslevodopa (an aromatic amino acid) indicated for the treatment of motor fluctuations in adults with advanced Parkinson’s disease. ( 1 )
Common Doses
- 525 mg
- 500 mg
- 1 mL
- 240 mg
Dosage
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Evaluate vitamin B6 levels prior to starting treatment with carbidopa/levodopa therapies. ( 2.1 ) For subcutaneous administration only, preferably in the abdomen, via the VYAFUSER pump. ( 2.2 , 2.3 , 2.4 ) See the Full Prescribing Information for calculation of the base continuous dosage, hourly infusion rate, optional loading dose, and extra dose. ( 2.3 ) The maximum recommended daily dosage of VYALEV is 3,525 mg of foslevodopa (approximately 2,500 mg levodopa). ( 2.3 ) 2.
Contraindications
- 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS VYALEV is contraindicated in patients who are currently taking a non-selective monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor or have recently (within 2 weeks) taken a nonselective MAO inhibitor. Hypertension can occur if these drugs are used concurrently [see Drug Interactions ( 7.1 )] . VYALEV is contraindicated in patients who are currently taking a nonselective monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor or have recently (within 2 weeks) taken a nonselective MAO inhibitor. ( 4 )
Side Effects
- 6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are discussed below and elsewhere in labeling: Falling Asleep During Activities of Daily Living and Somnolence [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) ] Hallucinations/Psychosis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ) ] Impulse Control/Compulsive Behaviors [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 ) ] Infusion Site Reactions and Infections [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Withdrawal-Emergent Hyperpyrexia and Confusion [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 ) ] Dyskinesia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.
Interactions
- 7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Selective MAO-B inhibitors: May cause orthostatic hypotension. ( 7.1 ) Antihypertensive drugs: May cause symptomatic postural hypotension. Dosage adjustment of the antihypertensive drug may be needed. ( 7.2 ) Dopamine D2 receptor antagonists and isoniazid may reduce the effectiveness of VYALEV. ( 7.3 ) 7.1 Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) Inhibitors Nonselective MAO Inhibitors The use of nonselective MAO inhibitors (e.g., phenelzine and tranylcypromine) with VYALEV is contraindicated [see Contraindications ( 4 ) ] .