Adjunctive Therapies in Parkinson's Disease: How to Choose the Best Treatment Strategy Approach

Drugs Aging. 2018 Dec;35(12):1041-1054. doi: 10.1007/s40266-018-0599-2.

Abstract

End-of-dose motor fluctuations are regarded as one of the core troublesome symptoms by patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Treatment of levodopa (L-dopa)-induced motor fluctuations is still an unmet medical need. L-dopa is the gold standard in the treatment of motor PD symptoms; notwithstanding, a wide range of adjunct therapies are currently available for the treatment of end-of-dose motor fluctuations. Additionally, device-aided therapies, such as deep brain stimulation, L-dopa-carbidopa intestinal gel infusion, and on-demand injection or continuous apomorphine infusion, may be considered when oral treatments are not sufficient to control motor fluctuations. In spite of the several evidence-based reviews and guidelines available, there is no agreement on which add-on therapy should be started first or its optimal timing. Equally challenging is the choice and timing between device-aided therapies. Herein, we propose a general overview of oral and device-aided treatments for PD patients with end-of-dose motor fluctuations, offering two possible algorithms that can guide clinicians during the therapeutic decision process.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Antiparkinson Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Antiparkinson Agents / therapeutic use
  • Carbidopa / administration & dosage
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Deep Brain Stimulation / methods*
  • Drug Combinations
  • Humans
  • Levodopa / administration & dosage
  • Parkinson Disease / physiopathology
  • Parkinson Disease / therapy*

Substances

  • Antiparkinson Agents
  • Drug Combinations
  • carbidopa, levodopa drug combination
  • Levodopa
  • Carbidopa