Apomorphine hydrochloride is a critical medication for the management of hypomobility. It is used to help with “off” episodes in people with advanced Parkinson’s disease. Apomorphine hydrochloride under the brand name Movapo was discontinued in Canada, with supplies running out in October 2023.  

Apomorphine hydrochloride is available again in Canada under the name APO-go® PEN. APO-go® PEN, is available in the United Kingdom (UK) with the same active ingredients as Movapo. Health Canada has permitted the exceptional, temporary importation of APO-go® PEN into Canada to fill the current gap and unmet need of people who were using or may benefit from this treatment in Canada. This importation serves as a temporary solution until the manufacturer completes the necessary regulatory approval process to bring apomorphine hydrochloride back to Canada on a more permanent basis. 

What does this mean for you?

APO-go® PEN will be available by prescription in pharmacies across Canada. APO-go® PEN is not currently eligible for reimbursement through public or private drug plans. If you are prescribed the APO-go® PEN, you will need to pay the full cost of the medication at your pharmacy. 

We know that paying for medications out-of-pocket can be a significant expense for people living with Parkinson’s and a barrier to accessing the medications you need. Parkinson Canada and our partners will continue to work closely with Health Canada to find solutions for reimbursement for APO-go® PEN and improve ongoing access to this medication for those in our community that it benefits.  

Parkinson Canada, along with our partners, are working hard to raise awareness on the impact of the loss of Movapo and helping to ensure apomorphine hydrochloride is available to Canadians. We’ve been actively engaged in discussions with Health Canada and the manufacturers to facilitate the timely importation of apomorphine hydrochloride (APO-go® PEN). We understand how important medications such as apomorphine hydrochloride are to some people living with Parkinson’s. Our efforts reflect a broader commitment to ensuring that those living with Parkinson’s have continuous access to effective and safe treatments. 

What do I need to do now?

If you’re a person living with Parkinson’s who was taking Movapo, you should speak to your healthcare provider and pharmacist about whether replacing it with APO-go® PEN is the right option for you.  

If you’re a healthcare provider, consult the Canadian Product Monograph for Movapo, available in English and French on the Health Canada Drug Product Database (Search criteria – Drug Product Database online query (canada.ca)). It will provide information on appropriate use including the indications, contraindications, warnings and precautions, adverse reactions, drug interactions, dosage and administration, storage condition, and handling instructions.  

Reporting adverse drug reactions

Adverse drug reactions associated with the use of APO-go PEN should be reported to Aguettant Canada Inc. by email at safety@aguettant.ca or by phone toll free at 1-833-772-6294. It should also be reported to Health Canada at here or by calling toll-free at 1-866-234-2345. 

Questions or concerns

For questions or concerns about UK-labelled APO-go PEN, please contact Aguettant Canada Inc. by phone at 514-772-6294 or toll-free at 1-833-772-6294. 

Quick facts

• Movapo, an apomorphine hydrochloride medication, has been discontinued in Canada. 
• APO-go® PEN, a replacement medication, has been permitted exceptional, temporary importation status, making it available for Canadians. 
• APO-go® PEN will be available by prescription in pharmacies across Canada, but is not currently eligible for reimbursement through public or private drug plans. 
• You should speak to your healthcare provider and pharmacist about whether replacing Movapo with APO-go® PEN is the right option for you.