Using VYALEV®
(foslevodopa/foscarbidopa)
Supplies you will need for your VYALEV treatment
Solution vial and adapter
Syringe
Infusion set
Insertion device, cannula and tubing
VYAFUSER® Pump
Batteries, charger and adapter
Disposable sharps container*
Paper towels*
Alcohol pads
*Items not provided.
More information about VYALEV and its supporting items can be found here.
Using the right amount of medicine
How much to use
- Usually, a steady dose of VYALEV is given hourly through infusion. If needed, you may receive an extra dose or your hourly infusion rate may be adjusted to avoid the need for an extra dose – your dose will be determined by your prescribing specialist.
- If 5 or more extra doses are required in a 24-hour period, contact your prescribing specialist so they can decide if your medication dose needs to be adjusted.
- Follow the instructions given to you and continue to use VYALEV unless your prescribing specialist tells you to stop.
If you use more than you should
If you think that you have used too much VYALEV, you may need to seek urgent medical attention. Immediately contact your prescribing specialist or the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26) for advice or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital, even if you are not experiencing any signs of discomfort or poisoning. Take the medicine pack with you.
If you forget to resume VYALEV
The vial(s) should be changed at the same time each day. If you forget to resume VYALEV, start your pump as soon as possible.
- For interruptions longer than 1 hour, make sure to change your infusion set (this includes tubing, insertion device and cannula) and rotate to a different infusion site before resuming your VYALEV infusion.
- For interruptions longer than 3 hours, you may need to also administer a loading dose to re-establish your symptom control.
Do not suddenly stop using VYALEV without first discussing with your prescribing specialist.
Watch this video to learn why it’s important to take your medicine as prescribed
Administering VYALEV
VYALEV is administered under the skin of the abdomen (belly) using a small, flexible plastic channel connected to your VYAFUSER® Pump. This pump gives you the medicine 24 hours a day.
The instructions provided below are supplementary to the VYALEV Instructions for Use leaflet (IFU). Always read the IFU in full before using VYALEV. You can also refer to the Step-by-step Infusion Guide as you administer your VYALEV treatment.
Step 1: Gather your supplies
- Wash your hands with soap and water and dry them with a paper towel.
- Gather VYALEV and supporting items as listed above and place them on a clean, flat surface such as a tray or table.
- Inspect each item for damage and expiration.
X Do not use any components if their sterile packaging has been damaged prior to use.
X Do not use the VYALEV solution, vial adapter or syringe if it is expired.
Step 2: Prepare the solution vial
- Remove the solution vial from the refrigerator and allow it to sit at room temperature out of direct sunlight for 30 minutes.
- Do not warm the solution vial in any way other than letting it warm at room temperature. For example, do not warm in the microwave or in hot water.
- Do not use if the solution is cloudy or contains flakes or particles.
- Once you have inspected the solution, remove the solution vial cap. Wipe the top of the vial stopper with an alcohol pad and allow to dry. This will help to avoid contamination.
Step 3: Prepare the syringe
- Remove air in the new syringe by pushing down the plunger.
- Attach the vial adapter to the solution vial.
- Attach the syringe to the vial adapter by pushing and screwing it into place. Do not overtighten.
Do not let the tip of the vial adapter or syringe come into contact with any unclean surfaces. If the tip of the vial adapter or syringe comes into contact with an unclean surface, discard it and get a new one.
Step 4: Transfer medicine from the vial into the syringe
While holding the syringe vertically with the solution vial attached, pull down the plunger to transfer all the solution from the vial to the syringe.
Step 5: Remove large air bubbles
- If there are large air bubbles in the syringe, they must be removed as the presence of air may affect the dose delivered. Small bubbles are acceptable and the air at the tip of the syringe is expected.
- Please refer to VYALEV IFU for detailed steps on how to remove air bubbles from the syringe.
- The syringe may be unscrewed from the vial adapter once large air bubbles have been removed.
Step 6: Connect infusion set tubing to the filled syringe
- Stand the solution vial on the table upright.
- Disconnect by unscrewing the syringe from the vial adapter.
- Place the syringe on a clean surface, making sure the syringe tip does not contact an unclean surface.
- Remove the infusion set tubing from the package.
- Attach the infusion set tubing to the syringe.
Step 7: Place filled syringe into the VYAFUSER® Pump
- Make sure your pump has a fully charged battery inserted.
- Turn on the pump display and place syringe inside the pump.
- Always charge the used battery after removing it to ensure that it’s ready for later use.
Step 8: Prepare the infusion set tubing
Prime the infusion set tubing. When a drop of the solution appears on the paper towel, all air has been pushed through the tubing.
For complete instructions on how to use and troubleshoot the VYAFUSER® Pump, please refer to the VYAFUSER® Pump Instructions for Use included in the box with your pump.
Step 9: Choose your infusion site
Choose your infusion site and clean the area using an alcohol pad and allow it to dry for at least a minute. Use your Infusion Site Tracker to help you remember where to adhere your cannula next.
- Your infusion site should be at least 5 cm from the belly button, and at least 2.5 cm away from a site used in the last 12 days.
- Keep at least 5 cm from the site of any areas of scarred or hardened tissue, stretch marks, skin folds or creases where the body naturally bends (e.g. while sitting or exercising), or to areas where clothing might cause irritation (e.g. near the belt line).
Step 10: Insert the cannula into the body
- Carefully remove the paper from the adhesive on the bottom of the insertion device, making sure not to touch the sticky adhesive pad.
- Remove the plastic stopper from the insertion device by gently squeezing its sides while pulling it straight out.
- Position the insertion device on the skin and press the red activation button completely down to insert the infusion set.
- The insertion is complete when the insertion device is released from the cannula with adhesive tape.
- Press the adhesive tape onto the skin and frequently check the insertion site to ensure that the cannula remains in place.
Your cannula may be different to the one shown here.
Always follow the Cannula IFU that has been supplied to you.
Step 11: Connect the infusion set tubing to the cannula
- Remove the protective white plastic cap from the end of the site connector. Keep the cap clean and store it in a clean place.
- Attach the site connector of the infusion set to the cannula by pushing the site connector straight in until you hear a “click”.
- Make sure it snaps securely in place to prevent leakage.
Step 12: Start the infusion
Start the continuous infusion on your pump display.
For complete instructions on how to use and troubleshoot the VYAFUSER® Pump, please refer to the VYAFUSER® Pump Instructions for Use included in the box with your pump.
For more detailed information, download the VYALEV Administration Guide
Looking after your medicine
Follow the instructions in the product packaging on how to take care of your medicine properly.
Keep VYALEV in the refrigerator (at 2°C to 8°C). Do not freeze.
The vials may be kept at room temperature up to a maximum of 30°C for a single period of up to 28 days (record the date when you remove the medicine from the refrigerator on the packaging).
Vials that are for use beyond 28 days should be stored and transported refrigerated (at 2°C to 8°C).
Keep VYALEV out of reach of children.
Once the medicine has been stored at room temperature, do not return the medicine to the refrigerator.
- Discard the syringe, and any unused medicine left in the syringe, after VYALEV has been in the syringe for 24 hours.
- Discard VYALEV solution if it has been stored at room temperature (up to 30°C) for longer than 28 days.
- Do not use VYALEV after the expiry date.
Disposing of your used VYALEV and supporting items
- After you have administered VYALEV, place your used syringe, vial, vial adapter, and infusion set tubing into the disposable sharps container straight away.
- Keep your disposable sharps container in a safe and secure location, out of reach and sight of children.
When your sharps container is full, you can:
Speak with your pharmacist to see if they offer a sharps disposal service
Check with your local council as they may have a service you can use
Check with your local public hospital as some can support sharps disposal
Download the Managing Waste leaflet to learn more about safe disposal of your treatment.
AU-ABBV-230285. AC-004199-01. July 2025.