Frequently asked
questions about VYALEV^®
(foslevodopa/foscarbidopa)

VYALEV is used to treat advanced Parkinson’s disease, helping you to gain control over your movements and posture.

VYALEV is a medicine containing two active ingredients, foslevodopa and foscarbidopa. In the body, foslevodopa and foscarbidopa are made into levodopa and carbidopa, respectively.

Once in the body, levodopa is made into a chemical called dopamine, which plays an important role for smooth, controlled body movements. PD occurs when the nerve cells in the brain don’t produce enough dopamine, so treatment with foslevodopa helps to increase the amount of dopamine in the brain.

Carbidopa helps to improve the effect of levodopa by preventing the breakdown of levodopa in the bloodstream, so more levodopa can enter the brain (where it is needed). Carbidopa also reduces the side effects of levodopa.

The solution is sterile, preservative-free and clear to slightly opalescent. It should be free from particles.

The solution may vary from colourless to yellow to brown and may have a purple or red tint. Variations in colour are expected and have no impact on medicine quality. The solution may become darker in colour after piercing of the vial stopper or while in the syringe.

VYALEV medicine is administered under the skin (subcutaneously), most frequently on the abdomen (belly). This is done using a small, flexible plastic channel connected to the VYAFUSER^® Pump that continuously gives you the medicine 24 hours a day.

For a step-by-step guide on how to administer VYALEV, refer to the VYALEV Administration Guide.

Some medicines may interfere with VYALEV and affect how it works. Let your prescribing specialist know if you are taking any other medicines before starting your VYALEV treatment, including those obtained without a prescription, such as vitamins and supplements. For full details, review the VYALEV Consumer Medicine Information.

Check with your prescribing specialist or pharmacist before you use VYALEV if you are taking or have recently taken (in the last 2 weeks) any medicine to treat depression. There are certain types of antidepressants that cannot be taken with VYALEV, such as moclobemide, phenylzine and tranylcypromine.

If you forget to resume VYALEV after a temporary disconnect, start your pump as soon as possible.

• For interruptions longer than 1 hour, make sure to change your infusion set (tubing, insertion device, and cannula) and rotate to a different infusion site before resuming infusion.
• For interruptions longer than 3 hours, you may need to also self-administer a loading dose to quickly re-establish your symptom control. You can find detailed instructions on loading dose in the VYALEV Administration Guide. 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.

Do not suddenly stop using VYALEV without first discussing with your prescribing specialist.

If you think that you have used too much VYALEV, you may need 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 carton with you.

• Keep VYALEV in the refrigerator (at 2°C to 8°C) until needed. Do not freeze.
• VYALEV solution can be stored at room temperature up to 30°C for up to 28 days. Storage tip: It is good practice to keep just one carton of VYALEV solution at room temperature at a time.
• Once the medicine has been stored at room temperature, do not return the medicine to the refrigerator.
• Discard the VYALEV solution if it has been stored at room temperature (up to 30°C) for longer than 28 days.

The pump continuously gives you the medicine for 24 hours daily. You may need to reload the pump with a new syringe within a 24-hour period to make sure you have enough medicine in your blood to control your symptoms.

Yes, the infusion can be interrupted for brief periods of time, such as when taking a shower. Your pump cannot get wet, so make sure to disconnect it before you bathe, shower or engage in water activities. 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.

You should rotate the infusion site and use a new infusion set (tubing, insertion device and cannula) at least every 3 days, or as advised by your prescribing specialist. If the infusion is interrupted for less than 1 hour, then the infusion set can remain in place for up to 3 days.

If you require more VYALEV medicine vials, you will need a script from your prescribing specialist. To order more supporting items for your VYALEV treatment, email parkinsonssupport@abbviecare.com.au or call 1800 230 608.

• Once used, you need to dispose of the VYALEV solution vial, syringe, vial adapter, and infusion set (tubing, insertion device and cannula) in a disposable sharps container. Speak with your pharmacist about sourcing a disposable sharps container.
• Dispose of a degraded pump battery at a battery recycling drop-off point. Do not dispose in general-waste bins, recycling bins or disposable sharps container.

If you have any questions about how to use VYALEV and its supporting items, refer to the wealth of resources offered on this website or contact an AbbVie Care nurse consultant at 1800 230 608.

Your prescribing specialist is your main point of contact for any questions regarding PD symptoms, disease progression and treatment decisions. Your PD nurse (if your clinic has one) also works alongside your prescribing specialist to help manage your PD symptoms and treatment plan. Learn more about your Care Team here.

Yes, there are touchpoints throughout your VYALEV treatment journey to ensure that you are supported every step of the way.