Produodopa
Foslevodopa-foscarbidopa (also called Produodopa) is a new treatment for Parkinson’s. This page explains how it works and if it’s suitable for you.
What is Produodopa?
Produodopa is a new treatment for Parkinson’s. It can help some people with advanced Parkinson’s who have problems with movement and when other treatments have stopped working.
It is made up of 2 ingredients, foslevodopa and foscarbidopa. Foslevodopa increases the amount of dopamine in your body. Foscarbidopa helps make foslevodopa work better, and also reduces its side effects.
How Produodopa works
A small pump is used to deliver Produodopa. You can carry it in your pocket or a small pouch. The pump delivers a steady dose of Produodopa 24 hours a day from a syringe to help manage symptoms day and night. The syringe is attached to a cannula (a fine plastic tube) that goes under the skin.
Your specialist will make sure the settings on the pump give you the right amount of Produodopa you need to manage your symptoms.
Before starting on Produodopa, you will get training on how to use the pump.
Will I need regular check-ups?
Your specialist will adjust the settings of the pump once it’s been fitted to make sure you’re getting the right amount of the medication to manage your symptoms.
As with all Parkinson’s medications, you will be regularly monitored to make sure that any changes to your dose are made as time goes on.
How long will Produodopa help manage my symptoms?
Like all Parkinson's drugs, Produodopa will work less well over time. As it’s a new medication, we don’t know exactly how long this will be. But the people with Parkinson’s who took part in the trial are continuing to see benefits.
Do I still have to take oral medication?
Most people will need to carry on taking some of their oral Parkinson's medications while starting on Produodopa. Once they have settled on Produodopa, they may be able to stop all of their oral Parkinson's medications. Your specialist will talk to you about what is best for you.
Infection risk
Produodopa treatment uses a cannula, a small plastic tube that is under the skin. There is a small risk of infection due to having a plastic tube under the skin.
If you have the pump fitted you will need to be very careful to keep the pump and surrounding area clean. You will be taught how to do this before it is fitted.
Find out if you can have Produodopa
You can talk to your healthcare team about whether Produodopa is the right treatment for you. They will make the final decision based on your symptoms and current treatments.
Produodopa is free on the NHS
Produodopa is an NHS-approved treatment for Parkinson’s. So people who can have this treatment will get it free of charge. In England, the NHS estimates that it will benefit approximately 900 people with Parkinson’s.
Produodopa will be available through standard Parkinson's services. But as it’s only recently been approved in the UK, many hospitals are yet to set up a Produodopa service. At the moment, it’s mostly available in specialist hospitals (neuroscience centres).
Can I pay and have it done privately?
We've not heard of any service offering Produodopa privately at the moment.
Produodopa and DBS
Can I have Produodopa if I have had DBS?
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a type of surgery used to treat Parkinson’s. It may be an option for when your symptoms are not controlled well by medication. Usually, it’s most effective at improving motor (movement) symptoms.
If you have had DBS in the past, you may be able to have Produodopa. This will be if your symptoms are no longer managed by your DBS.
The difference between Produodopa and DBS
Produodopa and DBS can both be used to treat the movement-related symptoms of Parkinson’s when other treatments are no longer helping to manage them. Your healthcare team will talk to you about your treatment options. They can tell you if Produodopa or DBS is right for you.
DBS isn’t suitable for some people if they have either advanced Parkinson’s or other conditions alongside their Parkinson’s.
Produodopa may be easier for some people with Parkinson’s to manage, including those who aren’t fit for brain surgery.
When you have a Produodopa pump, you will need to change the medicine containers each day and the cannula every 3 days or so.
So if you are thinking about this treatment, you will need to have some hand dexterity (be able to make small movements with your hands), or someone at home who can help you change medicine containers and the cannula.
Who developed Produodopa?
The pharmaceutical company, AbbVie, developed Produodopa.
Parkinson’s UK gave evidence on the benefit of the treatment for people with Parkinson’s. This was to 2 organisations that approve new treatments in the UK: NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) and SMC (Scottish Medicines Consortium).
More information and support
John was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2007. He took part in the Produodopa clinical trial and now receives the drug to help him manage his symptoms. He shares the impact of the treatment.
Not sure if Produodopa is for you? Want some more information? Our helpline advisers can help you with any questions you might have.