About
In October 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Vyalev, an under-the-skin, continuous infusion of levodopa/carbidopa.
Levodopa is one of the best medications available to treat Parkinson’s disease (PD) motor symptoms, including tremor, slowness and stiffness. But after many years of living with PD, this drug can contribute to involuntary movement (dyskinesia) or inconsistent symptom control (motor fluctuations).
Vyalev offers a steady administration of levodopa, which lessens “off” time where symptoms are not well controlled.
Pros
In a Phase 3 study, the treatment provided roughly three additional hours of “on” time for people with advanced Parkinson’s, compared to only one hour of added “on” time for people taking the medication orally. The study admitted people who were taking a minimum of 400 milligrams/day (mg/day) of levodopa equivalents but still experiencing inadequately controlled motor symptoms, motor fluctuations and/or troublesome dyskinesia. Participants had at least 2.5 hours of “off” time (when symptoms are not well-controlled) each day.
Cons and Complications
The most common side effects for people on Vyalev included problems with the infusion site (redness, swelling, etc), hallucinations and dyskinesia.