WHY is this medicine prescribed?
Foscarbidopa and foslevodopa is used to treat motor fluctuations (changes in motor symptoms due to fluctuations in dopamine) in patients with Parkinson's Disease (brain disorder that causes unintended or uncontrollable movements). Foscarbidopa and foslevodopa is in a class of medications called central nervous system agents. It works by being converted to dopamine in the brain. Carbidopa is in a class of medications called decarboxylase inhibitors. It works by preventing levodopa from being broken down before it reaches the brain. This allows for a lower dose of levodopa, which causes less nausea and vomiting.
HOW should this medicine be used?
Foscarbidopa and foslevodopa comes as a solution (liquid) to inject subcutaneously (under the skin) via an infusion pump (a device that gives medication in a controlled manner). The infusion pump will give a small amount of foscarbidopa and foslevodopa every hour for either 24 hours or just during the patient's waking hours. The patient will also have the option of administering an extra dose every hour. Your doctor or nurse will show you how to use the foscarbidopa and foslevodopa delivery system and how often you need to refill the infusion system. Make sure you let your doctor or nurse know if you don't understand. Foscarbidopa and foslevodopa are only to be administered with the Vyafuser® pump. You will be provided with instructions on how to use the pump.
Make sure you inspect each vial of foscarbidopa and foslevodopa before using. The solution should be colorless to a slight yellow to light brown color (possibly with red or purple tint) and should be free of any particles. If the vial is stored in the refrigerator, it should be removed from the refrigerator and kept at room temperature (away from direct sunlight) for 30 minutes before using.
Foscarbidopa and foslevodopa preferred infusion site is the abdomen, at least two inches from the belly button area. A new infusion site and infusion set should be used every 3 days. The new infusion site should be at least 1 inch from any other site used within the last 12 days. Avoid using sites that are tender, bruised, red or hard to the touch.
Foscarbidopa and foslevodopa controls symptoms of Parkinson's Disease but does not cure it. Do not stop using foscarbidopa and foslevodopa without talking to your doctor. If you suddenly stop receiving foscarbidopa and foslevodopa, your motor symptoms may worse. Your doctor will likely provide you with a prescription of a carbidopa and levodopa oral tablet to use in case your foscarbidopa and foslevodopa infusion needs to be interrupted for any reason.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.
Are there OTHER USES for this medication?
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
What SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS should I follow?
Before receiving foscarbidopa and foslevodopa,
What SPECIAL DIETARY instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
What should I do IF I FORGET to take a dose?
If you have had an interruption in your infusion that has lasted greater than 1 hour, resume the infusion with a new infusion site and new infusion set. If it has been greater than 3 hours, then you should contact your provider to see if you should give yourself a loading dose.
What SIDE EFFECTS can this medicine cause?
Foscarbidopa and foslevodopa may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
Foscarbidopa and foslevodopa may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
What should I do in case of OVERDOSE?
In case of overdose, stop the infusion right away and seek emergency medical treatment. If uncertain if overdose has occurred, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at http://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
What should I know about STORAGE and DISPOSAL of this medication?
Keep the medication vials in the container they come in to keep them from breaking. Store in the refrigerator or at room temperature for up to 28 days (but out of sunlight). If stored at room temperature, do not return to the refrigerator. Do not freeze.
Keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant. Always lock safety caps. Place the medication in a safe location - one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org
Dispose of unneeded medications in a way so that pets, children, and other people cannot take them. Do not flush this medication down the toilet. Use a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist about take-back programs in your community. Visit the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for more information.
What OTHER INFORMATION should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements you are taking. Bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to the hospital. You should carry the list with you in case of emergencies.
This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.
AHFS® Patient Medication Information™ Copyright, 2025. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists®, 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.
Selected Revisions: May 15, 2025.