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Uses

What is Inbrija used for?

Inbrija (levodopa) is commonly used to treat Parkinson’s disease, a condition that affects the part of your brain that controls your movements.

Inbrija may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does Inbrija work (mechanism of action)?

In people with Parkinson's disease, the brain does not have enough of a chemical called dopamine, which helps control movement. This makes it hard for people to move their bodies the way they want to.

Inbrija is a medicine called levodopa, which turns into dopamine in the brain. This helps people with Parkinson's disease move more easily.

How is Inbrija supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Inbrija

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 42 mg inhalation powder capsules for use with the Inbrija inhaler

How should I store Inbrija?

Inbrija should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Inbrija capsules should be kept in the original blister packs until ready to use. Do not store the capsules inside the inhaler.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Inbrija?

The most common side effects of Inbrija are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Cough
  • Nausea
  • Infection in the nose or throat, sore throat, or common cold symptoms
  • Dark-colored sputum or saliva

There may be other side effects of Inbrija that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Inbrija?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Inbrija are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Inbrija may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Inbrija and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Sleepiness. Inbrija can make you sleepy, sometimes very suddenly and without warning signs (also called a "sleep attack"). Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how Inbrija affects you. Tell your healthcare provider if you feel sleepy or drowsy while using Inbrija.

Low Blood Pressure Upon Standing (Orthostatic Hypotension). Inbrija may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up from a seated or lying position. To help prevent this, be careful not to get up too quickly. If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down right away until the dizziness stops, then take your time getting up again. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of orthostatic hypotension.

  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting upon standing
  • Blurred vision
  • Confusion
  • Feeling weak

Hallucinations or Psychotic-like Behaviors. Inbrija may cause hallucinations or psychotic-like behaviors. Talk to your healthcare provider right away if you or someone you know notices that you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Hearing, seeing, smelling, tasting, or otherwise perceiving things that others do not
  • Delusional thoughts, such as false beliefs that you are being controlled
  • Disorganized thoughts, such as jumping between topics or having a hard time focusing
  • Sudden decline in self-care, such as personal hygiene or academic/work performance
  • Aggressive behavior

Unusual or Compulsive Behaviors. Inbrija can cause some people to have strong unusual and uncontrolled urges (compulsions), including gambling, sex, shopping, or eating. Talk to your healthcare provider right away if you or someone you know notices that you have new or worsening strong urges or behaviors.

Uncontrollable, Involuntary Movements (Dyskinesias). Inbrija may cause involuntary movement problems, including shakiness, stiffness, or jerkiness. Call your healthcare provider right away if you develop any unusual or uncontrolled movements or if they get worse.

Breathing Problems. Inbrija may cause the muscles around the airways to tighten (bronchospasm), which may lead to coughing. This risk may be higher if you have any lung problems, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Contact your healthcare provider right away if you have trouble breathing.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Inbrija?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Inbrija.

  • Levodopa
  • Inbrija
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Inbrija.

Drug Interactions. Inbrija should not be used while you are using or if you have recently used certain other medicines. Before using Inbrija, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

What should I know about Inbrija before using it?

Do not use Inbrija unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share Inbrija with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Inbrija out of the reach of children.

Inbrija capsules are for inhalation only. Do not open or swallow the capsules. Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly prepare, load, and use the Inbrija inhaler. If you have any questions, talk to your healthcare provider.

Inbrija capsules should only be used with the Inbrija inhaler. The Inbrija inhaler should only be used with Inbrija capsules.

You may notice a dark color in your saliva, sputum, urine, or sweat. This is a common side effect of Inbrija and is not believed to be harmful. However, your clothes might get stained.

Do not stop using Inbrija without talking to your healthcare provider. Stopping too quickly may cause serious side effects. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • High fever
  • Muscle stiffness or rigidity, where it is hard to move
  • Changes in your breathing or heart rate
  • Increased sweating
  • Confusion

Inbrija may cause you to feel sleepy, especially if you already have conditions that can make you drowsy. Inbrija may also cause dizziness. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how Inbrija affects you.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Inbrija?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Inbrija is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • Mental health or behavior problems, including any psychotic disorder (such as schizophrenia or delusional disorder)
  • Sleep problems
  • Any other movement disorders
  • Eye problems, such as glaucoma 
  • Breathing problems, such as asthma or COPD
  • Low blood pressure or feeling faint or dizzy, especially when standing up from a seated or lying position
  • Unusual urges, such as gambling, binge eating, compulsive shopping, or increased sex drive

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Inbrija could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Inbrija passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use Inbrija while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Inbrija?

For more information about Inbrija, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.inbrija.com or call them at 833-462-7452.

Interactions

Does Inbrija interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Inbrija and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Inbrija. However, the risk of drowsiness, sleepiness, and/or dizziness may be increased if you drink alcohol while using Inbrija. 

Does Inbrija interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using Inbrija.

  • A nonselective monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within the past 2 weeks, such as phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate), or isocarboxazid (Marplan), which is a medicine usually used for depression
  • A selective monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) inhibitor, such as rasagiline or selegiline, which is a medicine usually used for depression or Parkinson’s disease
  • An antipsychotic, such as haloperidol, chlorpromazine, thioridazine, fluphenazine, or risperidone, which is a medicine for certain mental health conditions
  • Metoclopramide (Reglan and others), which is a medicine for certain stomach problems
  • Isoniazid, which is a medicine used to treat an infection called tuberculosis
  • Iron supplements or other products (such as multivitamins) that contain iron
  • Any other medicine that causes dizziness and sleepiness, such as prescription pain medicines, sleep medicines, and medicines for anxiety

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Inbrija. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Inbrija?

If you or someone else has used too much Inbrija, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Inbrija?

Inbrija is usually used only when needed. Use it as your healthcare provider recommends. Do not take double or extra doses.