Duopa

Carbidopa and Levodopa · Suspension · Enteral

Prescription (Rx) Aromatic Amino Acid 1 recall

Uses

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE DUOPA ® is indicated for the treatment of motor fluctuations in patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease. DUOPA is a combination of carbidopa (an aromatic amino acid decarboxylation inhibitor) and levodopa (an aromatic amino acid) indicated for the treatment of motor fluctuations in patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease ( 1 )

Dosage and administration

Evaluate vitamin B6 levels prior to starting treatment with carbidopa/levodopa therapies. ( 2.1 ) The maximum recommended daily dose of DUOPA is 2000 mg of levodopa (i.e., one cassette per day) administered over 16 hours ( 2.2) Prior to initiating DUOPA, convert patients from all forms of levodopa to oral immediate-release carbidopa-levodopa tablets (1:4 ratio) ( 2.3 ) Titrate total daily dose based on clinical response for the patient ( 2.3 ) Administer DUOPA into the jejunum through a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy with jejunal tube (PEG-J) with the CADD®-Legacy 1400 portable infusion pump ( 2.4) 2.1 Management of Vitamin B6 Levels Evaluate vitamin B6 levels prior to initiating carbidopa/levodopa therapies including DUOPA, periodically during treatment, and as clinically indicated [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 )] . If vitamin B6 levels are low, supplement to sufficient levels per standard of care. Patients may initiate and continue treatment with DUOPA while supplementing vitamin B6. 2. 2 DUOPA Daily Dose DUOPA is administered over a 16-hour infusion period. The daily dose is determined by individualized patient titration and composed of: A Morning Dose A Continuous Dose Extra Doses The maximum recommended daily dose of DUOPA is 2000 mg of the levodopa component (i.e., one cassette per day) administered over 16 hours. At the end of the daily 16-hour infusion, patients will disconnect the pump from the PEG-J and take their night-time dose of oral immediate-release carbidopa-levodopa tablets. Treatment with DUOPA is initiated in 3 steps [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.3 ) ] : Conversion of patients to oral immediate-release carbidopa-levodopa tablets in preparation for DUOPA treatment. Calculation and administration of the DUOPA starting dose (Morning Dose and Continuous Dose) for Day 1. Titration of the dose as needed based on individual clinical response and tolerability. Extra Doses DUOPA has an extra dose function that can be used to manage acute “Off” symptoms that are not controlled by the Morning Dose and the Continuous Dose administered over 16 hours. The extra dose function should be set at 1 mL (20 mg of levodopa) when starting DUOPA. If the amount of the extra dose needs to be adjusted, it is typically done in 0.2 mL increments. The extra dose frequency should be limited to one extra dose every 2 hours. Administration of frequent extra doses may cause or worsen dyskinesias. Once no further adjustments are required to the DUOPA Morning Dose, Continuous Dose, or Extra Dose, this dosing regimen should be administered daily. Over time, additional changes may be necessary based on the patient’s clinical response and tolerability. 2. 3 Initiation and Titration Instructions Prepare for DUOPA Treatment Prior to initiating DUOPA, convert patients from all other forms of levodopa to oral immediate-release carbidopa-levodopa tablets (1:4 ratio). Patients should remain on a stable dose of their concomitant medications taken for the treatment of Parkinson's disease before initiation of DUOPA infusion. Healthcare providers should ensure patients take their oral Parkinson's disease medications the morning of the PEG-J procedure. Determine the DUOPA Starting Dose for Day 1 The steps for determining the initial DUOPA daily dosing (Morning Dose and Continuous Dose) for Day 1 are outlined below. Step 1: Calculate and administer the DUOPA Morning Dose for Day 1 a. Determine the total amount of levodopa (in milligrams) in the first dose of oral immediate-release carbidopa-levodopa that was taken by the patient on the previous day. b. Convert the oral levodopa dose from milligrams to milliliters by multiplying the oral dose by 0.8 and dividing by 20 mg/mL. This calculation will provide the Morning Dose of DUOPA in milliliters. c. Add 3 milliliters to the Morning Dose to fill (prime) the intestinal tube to obtain the Total Morning Dose. d. The Total Morning Dose is usually administered over 10 to 30 minutes. e. Program the pump to deliver the Total Morning Dose. Step 2: Calculate and administer the DUOPA Continuous Dose for Day 1 a. Determine the amount of oral immediate-release levodopa that the patient received from oral immediate-release carbidopa-levodopa doses throughout the previous day (16 waking hours), in milligrams. Do not include the doses of oral immediate-release carbidopa-levodopa taken at night when calculating the levodopa amount. b. Subtract the first oral levodopa dose in milligrams taken by the patient on the previous day (determined in Step 1 (a)) from the total oral levodopa dose in milligrams taken over 16 waking hours (determined in Step 2 (a)). Divide the result by 20 mg/mL. This is the dose of DUOPA administered as a Continuous Dose (in mL) over 16 hours. c. The hourly infusion rate (mL per hour) is obtained by dividing the Continuous Dose by 16 (hours). This value will be programmed into the pump as the continuous rate. d. If persistent or numerous “Off” periods occur during the 16-hour infusion, consider increasing the Continuous Dose or using the Extra Dose function. If dyskinesia or DUOPA-related adverse reactions occur, consider decreasing the Continuous Dose or stopping the infusion until the adverse reactions subside. DUOPA Titration The daily dose of DUOPA can be titrated as needed, based on the patient’s individual clinical response and tolerability after Day 1 of DUOPA treatment and until a stable daily dose is maintained. Adjustments to concomitant Parkinson’s disease medications may be needed. In the controlled trial, the average number of titration days required to establish a stable Morning and Continuous Dose was 5 days. Additional dose adjustments may be necessary over time based on the patient level of activity and disease progression. The recommendations for adjusting the DUOPA Morning and Continuous Doses are provided below.

Dosage forms and strengths

Enteral suspension: 4.63 mg carbidopa and 20 mg levodopa per mL in a single-use cassette. Each cassette contains approximately 100 mL of suspension. Enteral Suspension: 4.63 mg carbidopa and 20 mg levodopa per mL ( 3 )

Contraindications

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS DUOPA is contraindicated in patients who are currently taking a nonselective monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor (e.g., phenelzine and tranylcypromine) 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 and 7.2 )] . DUOPA is contraindicated in patients taking nonselective monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors ( 4 )

Warnings and precautions

Gastrointestinal procedure-related complications may result in serious outcomes, such as need for surgery or death ( 5.1 ) May cause falling asleep during activities of daily living ( 5.2 ) Monitor patients for orthostatic hypotension, especially after starting DUOPA or increasing the dose ( 5.3 ) Hallucinations/Psychosis/Confusion: May respond to dose reduction in levodopa ( 5.4 ) Impulse Control Disorders: Consider dose reductions or stopping DUOPA ( 5.5 ) Monitor patients for depression and suicidality ( 5.6 ) Avoid sudden discontinuation or rapid dose reduction to reduce the risk of withdrawal-emergent hyperpyrexia and confusion ( 5.7 ) May cause or exacerbate dyskinesia: Consider dose reduction ( 5.8 ) 5.1 Gastrointestinal and Gastrointestinal Procedure-Related Risks Because DUOPA is administered using a PEG-J or naso-jejunal tube, gastrointestinal complications can occur. These complications include abscess, bezoar, ileus, implant site erosion/ulcer, intestinal hemorrhage, intestinal ischemia, intestinal obstruction, intestinal perforation, intussusception, pancreatitis, peritonitis, pneumonia (including aspiration pneumonia), pneumoperitoneum, post-operative wound infection, and sepsis. These complications may result in serious outcomes, such as the need for surgery or death. Instruct patients to notify their healthcare provider immediately if they experience abdominal pain, prolonged constipation, nausea, vomiting, fever, or melanotic stool [see Patient Counseling Information ( 17 ) ] . 5.2 Falling Asleep During Activities of Daily Living and Somnolence Patients treated with levodopa, a component of DUOPA, have reported falling asleep while engaged in activities of daily living, including the operation of motor vehicles, which sometimes resulted in accidents. Although many of these patients reported somnolence while on levodopa, some perceived that they had no warning signs (sleep attack), such as excessive drowsiness, and believed that they were alert immediately prior to the event. Some of these events have been reported more than one year after initiation of treatment. Falling asleep while engaged in activities of daily living usually occurs in patients experiencing preexisting somnolence, although patients may not give such a history. For this reason, prescribers should reassess patients for drowsiness or sleepiness in DUOPA-treated patients, especially since some of the events occur well after the start of treatment. Prescribers should be aware that patients may not acknowledge drowsiness or sleepiness until directly questioned about drowsiness or sleepiness during specific activities. Patients who have already experienced somnolence or an episode of sudden sleep onset should not participate in these activities while taking DUOPA. Before initiating treatment with DUOPA, advise patients about the potential to develop drowsiness and specifically ask about factors that may increase the risk for somnolence with DUOPA such as the use of concomitant sedating medications or the presence of sleep disorders. Consider discontinuing DUOPA in patients who report significant daytime sleepiness or episodes of falling asleep during activities that require active participation (e.g., conversations, eating). If DUOPA is continued, they should be advised to avoid driving and other potentially dangerous activities that might result in harm if the patient becomes somnolent. 5.3 Orthostatic Hypotension DUOPA-treated patients were more likely to experience a decline in orthostatic blood pressure than patients treated with oral immediate-release carbidopa-levodopa in the controlled clinical study. Orthostatic systolic hypotension (≥30 mm Hg decrease) occurred in 73% of DUOPA-treated patients compared to 68% of patients treated with oral immediate-release carbidopa-levodopa in the controlled clinical study. Orthostatic diastolic hypotension (≥20 mm Hg decrease) occurred in 70% of DUOPA-treated patients compared to 62% of patients treated with oral immediate-release carbidopa-levodopa. Inform patients about the risk for hypotension and syncope. Monitor patients for orthostatic hypotension, especially after starting DUOPA or increasing the dose. 5.4 Hallucinations/Psychosis/Confusion There is an increased risk for hallucinations and psychosis in patients taking DUOPA. In the controlled clinical trial, hallucinations occurred in 5% of DUOPA-treated patients compared to 3% of patients treated with oral immediate-release carbidopa-levodopa. Confusion occurred in 8% of DUOPA-treated patients compared to 3% of patients treated with oral immediate-release carbidopa-levodopa, and psychotic disorder occurred in 5% of DUOPA-treated patients compared to 3% of patients treated with oral immediate-release carbidopa-levodopa. Hallucinations associated with levodopa may present shortly after the initiation of therapy and may be responsive to dose reduction in levodopa. Confusion, insomnia, and excessive dreaming may accompany hallucinations. Abnormal thinking and behavior may present with one or more symptoms, including paranoid ideation, delusions, hallucinations, confusion, psychosis, disorientation, aggressive behavior, agitation, and delirium. Because of the risk of exacerbating psychosis, patients with a major psychotic disorder should not be treated with DUOPA. In addition, medications that antagonize the effects of dopamine used to treat psychosis may exacerbate the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and may decrease the effectiveness of DUOPA [see Drug Interactions ( 7.3 ) ] . 5.5 Impulse Control/Compulsive Behaviors Patients may experience intense urges to gamble, increased sexual urges, intense urges to spend money, binge or compulsive eating, and/or other intense urges, and the inability to control these urges while taking one or more of the medications, including DUOPA, that increase central dopaminergic tone and that are generally used for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.

Side effects

The following serious adverse reactions are discussed below and elsewhere in labeling: Gastrointestinal and Gastrointestinal Procedure-Related Risks [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) ] Falling Asleep During Activities of Daily Living and Somnolence [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ) ] Orthostatic Hypotension [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 ) ] Hallucinations/Psychosis/Confusion [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 ) ] Impulse Control/Compulsive Behaviors [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 ) ] Depression and Suicidality [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 ) ] Withdrawal-Emergent Hyperpyrexia and Confusion [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 ) ] Dyskinesia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 ) ] Vitamin B6 Deficiency and Seizures [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 )] Neuropathy [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.10 ) ] Cardiovascular Ischemic Events [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.11 ) ] Laboratory Test Abnormalities [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.12)] Glaucoma [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.13 ) ] Most common adverse reactions for DUOPA (DUOPA incidence at least 7% greater than oral carbidopa-levodopa incidence) were: complication of device insertion, nausea, depression, peripheral edema, hypertension, upper respiratory tract infection, oropharyngeal pain, atelectasis, and incision site erythema. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact AbbVie Inc. at 1-800-633-9110 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical studies are run under widely varying conditions, the incidence of adverse reactions observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. In clinical studies, 416 patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease received DUOPA. 338 patients were treated with DUOPA for more than 1 year, 233 patients were treated with DUOPA for more than 2 years, and 162 patients were treated with DUOPA for more than 3 years. In a 12-week, active-controlled clinical trial (Study 1), a total of 71 patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease were enrolled and had a PEG-J procedure. Of these, 37 patients received DUOPA and 34 received oral immediate-release carbidopa-levodopa. The most common adverse reactions for DUOPA (incidence at least 7% greater than oral immediate-release carbidopa-levodopa) were: complication of device insertion, nausea, depression, peripheral edema, hypertension, upper respiratory tract infection, oropharyngeal pain, atelectasis, and incision site erythema. Table 3 lists the incidence of adverse reactions occurring in the DUOPA-treated group (requiring at least 2 patients in this group) in Study 1 when the incidence was numerically greater than that for oral immediate-release carbidopa-levodopa. Table 3. Adverse Reactions in Study 1 for DUOPA in Patients with Advanced Parkinson’s disease Preferred Term DUOPA (n = 37) % Oral immediate-release carbidopa-levodopa a (n = 34) % Complication of device insertion 57 44 Nausea 30 21 Constipation 22 21 Incision site erythema 19 12 Dyskinesia 14 12 Depression 11 3 Post procedural discharge 11 9 Peripheral edema 8 0 Hypertension 8 0 Upper respiratory tract infection 8 0 Oropharyngeal pain 8 0 Atelectasis 8 0 Confusional state 8 3 Anxiety 8 3 Dizziness 8 6 Hiatal hernia 8 6 Postoperative ileus 5 0 Sleep disorder 5 0 Pyrexia 5 0 Excessive granulation tissue 5 0 Rash 5 0 Bacteriuria 5 0 White blood cells urine positive 5 0 Hallucination 5 3 Psychotic disorder 5 3 Diarrhea 5 3 Dyspepsia 5 3 a All patients in the clinical trial regardless of treatment arm received a PEG-J. Procedure and Device- Related Adverse Reactions The most common adverse reactions associated with complications due to naso-jejunal (NJ) insertion were: oropharyngeal pain, abdominal distention, abdominal pain, abdominal discomfort, pain, throat irritation, gastrointestinal injury, esophageal hemorrhage, anxiety, dysphagia, and vomiting. The most common adverse reactions associated with complications due to PEG-J insertion were: abdominal pain, abdominal discomfort, abdominal distension, flatulence, or pneumoperitoneum. Additional adverse reactions that were co-reported with complication of naso-jejunal and PEG-J insertion included upper abdominal pain, duodenal ulcer, duodenal ulcer hemorrhage, erosive duodenitis, erosive gastritis, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, intussusception, peritonitis, post-operative abscess, and small intestine ulcer.

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, isoniazid, iron salts, and high-protein diet may reduce the effectiveness of DUOPA ( 7.3 , 7.4 , 7.5 ) 7.1 Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) Inhibitors The use of nonselective MAO inhibitors with DUOPA is contraindicated [see Contraindications ( 4 ) ] . Discontinue use of any nonselective MAO inhibitors at least two weeks prior to initiating DUOPA. The use of selective MAO-B inhibitors (e.g., rasagiline and selegiline) with DUOPA may be associated with orthostatic hypotension. Monitor patients who are taking these drugs. 7.2 Antihypertensive Drugs The concurrent use of DUOPA with antihypertensive medications can cause symptomatic postural hypotension. A dose reduction of the antihypertensive medication may be needed after starting or increasing the dose of DUOPA. 7.3 Dopamine D2 Receptor Antagonists and Isoniazid Dopamine D2 receptor antagonists (e.g., phenothiazines, butyrophenones, risperidone, metoclopramide, papaverine) and isoniazid may reduce the effectiveness of levodopa. Monitor patients for worsening Parkinson’s symptoms. 7.4 Iron Salts Iron salts or multi-vitamins containing iron salts can form chelates with levodopa, carbidopa, and can cause a reduction in the bioavailability of DUOPA. If iron salts or multi-vitamins containing iron salts are co-administered with DUOPA, monitor patients for worsening Parkinson’s symptoms. 7.5 High-Protein Diet Because levodopa competes with certain amino acids for transport across the gut wall, the absorption of levodopa may be decreased in patients on a high-protein diet. Advise patients that a high-protein diet may reduce the effectiveness of DUOPA.

Use in specific populations

Pregnancy: Based on animal data, may cause fetal harm ( 8.1 ) 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no adequate data on the developmental risk associated with the use of DUOPA in pregnant women. In animal studies, carbidopa-levodopa has been shown to be developmentally toxic (including teratogenic effects) at clinically relevant doses (see Data) . The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. Data Animal Data When administered to pregnant rabbits throughout organogenesis, carbidopa-levodopa caused both visceral and skeletal malformations in fetuses at all doses and ratios of carbidopa-levodopa tested. No teratogenic effects were observed when carbidopa-levodopa was administered to pregnant mice throughout organogenesis. There was a decrease in the number of live pups delivered by rats receiving carbidopa-levodopa during organogenesis. 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary Levodopa has been detected in human milk after administration of carbidopa-levodopa. There are no data on the presence of carbidopa in human milk, the effects of levodopa or carbidopa on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. However, inhibition of lactation may occur because levodopa decreases secretion of prolactin in humans. Carbidopa is excreted in rat milk. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for DUOPA and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from DUOPA or from the underlying maternal condition. 8.4 Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established. 8.5 Geriatric Use In the controlled clinical trial, 49% of patients were 65 years and older, and 8% were 75 years and older. In patients 65 years and older, there was an increased risk for elevation of BUN and CPK (above the upper limit of the normal reference range for these laboratory analytes) during treatment with DUOPA compared to the risk for patients less than 65 years.

Pregnancy

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no adequate data on the developmental risk associated with the use of DUOPA in pregnant women. In animal studies, carbidopa-levodopa has been shown to be developmentally toxic (including teratogenic effects) at clinically relevant doses (see Data) . The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. Data Animal Data When administered to pregnant rabbits throughout organogenesis, carbidopa-levodopa caused both visceral and skeletal malformations in fetuses at all doses and ratios of carbidopa-levodopa tested. No teratogenic effects were observed when carbidopa-levodopa was administered to pregnant mice throughout organogenesis. There was a decrease in the number of live pups delivered by rats receiving carbidopa-levodopa during organogenesis.

Pediatric use

8.4 Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.

Geriatric use

8.5 Geriatric Use In the controlled clinical trial, 49% of patients were 65 years and older, and 8% were 75 years and older. In patients 65 years and older, there was an increased risk for elevation of BUN and CPK (above the upper limit of the normal reference range for these laboratory analytes) during treatment with DUOPA compared to the risk for patients less than 65 years.

Overdosage

Management of acute overdosage with DUOPA is the same as management of acute overdosage with levodopa. Pyridoxine is not effective in reversing the actions of oral immediate-release carbidopa-levodopa. In the event of an overdosage with DUOPA, the infusion should be stopped and the pump disconnected immediately. Administer intravenous fluids and maintain an adequate airway. Patients should receive electrocardiographic monitoring for arrhythmias and hypotension.

Description

11 DESCRIPTION DUOPA is a combination of carbidopa, an inhibitor of aromatic amino acid decarboxylation, and levodopa, an aromatic amino acid. Carbidopa is a white, crystalline compound, slightly soluble in water, with a molecular weight of 244.2. It is designated chemically as (2S)-3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-hydrazino-2-methylpropanoic acid monohydrate. Its empirical formula is C 10 H 14 N 2 O 4
• H 2 O, and its structural formula is: The content of carbidopa in DUOPA is expressed in terms of anhydrous carbidopa which has a molecular weight of 226.3. The 4.63 mg/mL of anhydrous carbidopa is equivalent to 5.0 mg/mL of carbidopa. Levodopa is a white, crystalline compound, slightly soluble in water, with a molecular weight of 197.2. It is designated chemically as (2S)-2-Amino-3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl) propanoic acid. Its empirical formula is C 9 H 11 NO 4 , and its structural formula is: The inactive ingredients in DUOPA are carmellose sodium and purified water. carbidopa chem structure levodopa chem structure

Mechanism of action

12.1 Mechanism of Action 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. This is thought to be the mechanism whereby levodopa treats the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

How supplied

16.1 How Supplied Single-use cassettes containing 4.63 mg carbidopa (as 5 mg of the monohydrate) and 20 mg levodopa per mL of enteral suspension. Each cassette contains approximately 100 mL of suspension. Carton of 7 DUOPA cassettes: NDC 0074-3012-07 16.2 Storage and Handling Store in freezer at -20 o C (-4 o F). Thaw in refrigerator at 2 o C to 8 o C (36 o F to 46 o F) prior to dispensing. Cassettes should be protected from light and kept in the carton prior to use. Thawing instructions for pharmacies Assign a 15 week “Use By” date based on the time the cartons are put into the refrigerator to thaw. Fully thaw DUOPA in the refrigerator prior to dispensing. In order to ensure controlled thawing of DUOPA, take the cartons containing the seven individual cassettes out of the transport box and separate the cartons from each other. Thawing may take up to 96 hours when the cartons are taken out of the transport box. Once the product has thawed, the individual cartons may be packed in a closer configuration within the refrigerator. 16.1 How Supplied Single-use cassettes containing 4.63 mg carbidopa (as 5 mg of the monohydrate) and 20 mg levodopa per mL of enteral suspension. Each cassette contains approximately 100 mL of suspension. Carton of 7 DUOPA cassettes: NDC 0074-3012-07

Storage

16.2 Storage and Handling Store in freezer at -20 o C (-4 o F). Thaw in refrigerator at 2 o C to 8 o C (36 o F to 46 o F) prior to dispensing. Cassettes should be protected from light and kept in the carton prior to use. Thawing instructions for pharmacies Assign a 15 week “Use By” date based on the time the cartons are put into the refrigerator to thaw. Fully thaw DUOPA in the refrigerator prior to dispensing. In order to ensure controlled thawing of DUOPA, take the cartons containing the seven individual cassettes out of the transport box and separate the cartons from each other. Thawing may take up to 96 hours when the cartons are taken out of the transport box. Once the product has thawed, the individual cartons may be packed in a closer configuration within the refrigerator.

Patient information

Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling ( Medication Guide and Instructions for Use ). Administration Information Ask patients if they have had any previous surgery in the upper part of their abdomen that may lead to difficulty in performing the gastrostomy or jejunostomy [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.4 ) ] . Advise patients that foods that are high in protein may reduce the effectiveness of DUOPA [see Drug Interactions ( 7.5 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 ) ] . Interruption of DUOPA Infusion If the patient anticipates disconnecting the pump for a short period of time (less than 2 hours such as to swim, shower, or short medical procedure), no supplemental oral medication is needed, but the patient may be advised to take an extra-dose of DUOPA before disconnecting. Instruct the patient to stop the continuous rate, turn off the pump, clamp the cassette tube, disconnect the tubing, and replace the red cap on the cassette tube. The DUOPA cassette can remain attached to the pump until the tubing is reconnected. Refer the patient to the Patient Instructions for Use for additional information (i.e., changing the DUOPA Cassette: disconnecting Steps 1-5 and reconnecting Steps 10-16). Advise the patient to contact their healthcare provider and to take oral carbidopa-levodopa until the patient is able to resume DUOPA infusion, if the patient will have prolonged interruption of therapy lasting more than 2 hours [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.5 )] . Gastrointestinal and Gastrointestinal Procedure-Related Risks Inform patients of the gastrointestinal procedure-related risks including abscess, bezoar, ileus, implant site erosion/ulcer, intestinal hemorrhage, intestinal ischemia, intestinal obstruction, intestinal perforation, intussusception, pancreatitis, peritonitis, pneumonia (including aspiration pneumonia), pneumoperitoneum, post-operative wound infection and sepsis. Advise patients of the symptoms of the above listed complications and instruct them to contact their healthcare provider if they experience any of these symptoms [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) ] . Falling Asleep during Activities of Daily Living and Somnolence Alert patients to the potential sedating effects caused by DUOPA, including somnolence and the possibility of falling asleep while engaged in activities of daily living. Because somnolence is a common adverse reaction with potentially serious consequences, patients should not drive a car, operate machinery, or engage in other potentially dangerous activities until they have gained sufficient experience with DUOPA to gauge whether or not it affects their mental and/or motor performance adversely. Advise patients that if increased somnolence or episodes of falling asleep during activities of daily living (e.g., conversations, eating, driving a motor vehicle, etc.) are experienced at any time during treatment, they should not drive or participate in potentially dangerous activities until they have contacted their physician. Advise patients of possible additive effects when patients are taking other sedating medications, alcohol, or other central nervous system depressants (e.g., benzodiazepines, antipsychotics, antidepressants, etc.) in combination with DUOPA or when taking a concomitant medication that increases plasma levels of levodopa [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ) ] . Orthostatic Hypotension Advise patients that they may experience syncope and may develop hypotension with or without symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, syncope, and sometimes sweating while taking DUOPA. Accordingly, caution patients against standing rapidly after sitting or lying down, especially if they have been doing so for prolonged periods and especially at the initiation of treatment with DUOPA [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 ) ] . Hallucinations/Psychosis/Confusion Inform patients that they may experience hallucinations (unreal visions, sounds, or sensations) and other symptoms of psychosis can occur while taking DUOPA. Tell patients to report hallucinations, abnormal thinking, psychotic behavior or confusion to their healthcare provider promptly should they develop [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 ) ] . Impulse Control/Compulsive Behaviors Advise patients that they may experience impulse control and/or compulsive behaviors while taking DUOPA. Advise patients to inform their physician or healthcare provider if they develop new or increased gambling urges, sexual urges, uncontrolled spending, binge or compulsive eating, or other urges while being treated with DUOPA [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 ) ] . Depression and Suicidality Inform patients that they may develop depression or experience worsening of depression while taking DUOPA. Instruct patients to contact their healthcare provider if they experience depression, worsening of depression, or suicidal thoughts [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 ) ] . Withdrawal-Emergent Hyperpyrexia and Confusion Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider before stopping DUOPA. Tell patients to inform their healthcare provider if they develop withdrawal symptoms such as fever, confusion, or severe muscle stiffness [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 ) ] . Dyskinesia Inform patients that DUOPA may cause or exacerbate pre-existing dyskinesias [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 ) ] . Vitamin B6 Deficiency and Seizures Inform patients that vitamin B6 deficiency may develop during treatment with carbidopa/levodopa therapies, including DUOPA. Tell patients to inform their healthcare provider if they develop symptoms such as depression, confusion, cheilosis, glossitis, dermatitis, anemia, neuropathy, and/or seizures [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 ) ] .

Label text from the FDA structured product label by AbbVie Inc. (revised Mar 19, 2026). Long sections are shortened; the complete label is on DailyMed.

Active ingredients

Levodopa in 1 product
Carbidopa Hydrate in 1 product

Duopa NDC products (1)

NDC	Strength & form	Labeler	Type
0074-3012	Levodopa 20 mg/mL; Carbidopa Hydrate 4.63 mg/mL Suspension	AbbVie Inc.	NDA

Duopa recalls

D-0495-2017 Mar 8, 2017 · Class II · Terminated
Failed Stability Specifications: confirmed out of specification results obtained during refrigerated material stability testing indicating that drug may settle within drug cassettes nearing the end of their refrigerated…

Frequently asked questions

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Who makes Duopa?

Duopa is listed by 1 labeler in the FDA NDC directory, including AbbVie Inc..

Has Duopa been recalled?

The FDA enforcement database lists 1 recall for Duopa, most recently D-0495-2017 (class ii): Failed Stability Specifications: confirmed out of specification results obtained during refrigerated material stability testing indicating that drug may settle…