Unwanted effects and interaction of intrajejunal levodopa/carbidopa administration

Abstract

Introduction: Levodopa is the most effective treatment for Parkinson's disease. After a number of years on treatment, fluctuations and dyskinesias may develop. Hence, invasive treatment measures are often needed (escalation therapy).

Areas covered: Twenty years ago, a levodopa/carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) that can be infused directly into the jejunum was developed. This provides for continuous dopaminergic stimulation. For the past 10 years, LCIG has been licensed in some countries and its marketing approval is pending in the USA. It is endowed with very good efficacy, and in studies, it has proven to be superior to oral drug treatment. Continuous dopaminergic stimulation is also assured, and fluctuations and dyskinesias are significantly reduced. However, this technique involves an invasive procedure with percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy and attendant surgical and postsurgical complications. Besides, there are problems related to the pump and tube. Vitamin deficiency and polyneuropathies are other drawbacks.

Expert opinion: LCIG is a beneficial and very useful treatment option as escalation therapy for Parkinson's disease. While the side effects are not insignificant, they are justifiable in view of the severity of the disease. Attention must be paid, in particular, to malabsorption, with monitoring at baseline and in the course of treatment.

Keywords::

• drug interactions
• escalation therapy
• levodopa/carbidopa intestinal gel
• Parkinson's disease
• unwanted effects

Acknowledgements

The author thanks Südmeyer and Winkler with whom he worked out a consensus that was incorporated into the manuscript. He also thanks Müller, for kindly making available Figure 2, as well as Volkmann and colleagues who had worked out a consensus (not published), which was also taken into account when compiling the manuscript. Medical writing support for translation came from Content Ed Net.

Notes

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