How Do I Manage Patients With the Levodopa/Carbidopa Intestinal Gel?

Abstract

The levodopa carbidopa intestinal gel is a device-assisted therapy used for the management of fluctuating motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease that are refractory to oral therapy. The approach has demonstrable clinical value, but consideration of the associated need for expert care, access to services, and costs of the treatment impact the method of introduction to optimize uptake and minimize discontinuation across populations examined. Systematic approaches and modifications have been explored by different centers over the years to mitigate these considerations, with the aim of minimizing adverse events and maximizing the quality-of-life years gained with the treatment. In this presentation, we aim to outline an approach to managing this treatment while highlighting measures that can be utilized throughout the process to improve patients’ experiences.