Here are some important things to know about VYALEV, a treatment for motor fluctuations in adults with advanced Parkinson’s disease.
About VYALEV
VYALEV is a prescription medication used to treat motor fluctuations in adults with advanced Parkinson's disease.
The VYALEV pump is programmed by your doctor to deliver a customized dose to meet your individual treatment needs. The portable pump provides continuous, 24-hour delivery of levodopa-based therapy. See how VYALEV works.
Yes! VYALEV is approved by the FDA for the treatment of advanced Parkinson’s disease in adults. It is covered by traditional Medicare and available for Medicare Advantage and commercial plans. For more information, you can call us at 1-866-489-2538 and we will connect you to a VYALEV Insurance Case Manager.
VYALEV replaces scheduled levodopa-containing medications and COMT inhibitors. You can take other Parkinson’s disease medications with VYALEV. Keep a supply of oral immediate-release carbidopa/levodopa tablets with you in case you are unable to use VYALEV infusion.
COMT=catechol-O-methyltransferase.
Yes, and VYALEV is approved for continuous 24-hour use. When sleeping with the pump, it is suggested to position it so the tubing will not get pulled or kinked, and in a way that’s comfortable to suit your regular sleeping position. Explore the variety of carrying cases available to keep the pump close to your body.
If the cannula becomes loose or detached from the body, you will need to replace the entire infusion set, including the tubing and the cannula. Please see Pump Instructions for Use for further details. Keep a supply of oral immediate-release carbidopa/levodopa tablets with you in case you are unable to use VYALEV infusion.
Some people using VYALEV have had reactions and infections at the infusion site. Remove your cannula and call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of an infection: local spreading of redness, pain, swelling, warmth, change in color when pressing on the area, or fever.
If you are using VYALEV and think you may have an infusion site reaction or infection, talk with your doctor to see if virtual care is right for you. Virtual care with a VYALEV-educated healthcare provider is available for $35 per visit. This resource is not for general questions or concerns about VYALEV. After your visit, share the care plan you and your healthcare provider discussed with your neurologist.
Yes, VYALEV was approved by the FDA on October 16, 2024.
The VYALEV pump
There are several ways to wear the pump discreetly and a range of carrying cases are available, so you can use the one that best suits your daily activities.
The VYALEV pump is lightweight (less than 1 lb) and is roughly the size of 2 stacked smartphones.
Dimensions:
Weight: 10.0 oz (285 gm)
Height: 6.7 in (17.02 cm)
Width: 3.0 in (7.62 cm)
Depth: 1.3 in (3.30 cm)
The pump is designed to be worn throughout the day and night. Some patients may need to try out different clothing styles and different carrying case options to find what is most comfortable for them.
VYALEV can be stopped for brief periods of time, such as when taking a shower or for a short medical procedure. If you stop the infusion for longer than 1 hour, you will need to change your infusion set (tubing and cannula) and rotate to a different infusion site.
You can temporarily disconnect from the pump for up to an hour when you want to shower, bathe, or swim. You can’t get your pump or tubing wet, but your cannula can get wet after being properly disconnected from the tubing. If you stop the infusion for longer than 1 hour, you will need to change your infusion set (tubing and cannula) and rotate to a different infusion site.
Refer to the Pump Instructions for Use for more details.
Yes, you can wear your pump through security at the airport. Your VYALEV pump and some supplies will require a special screening process at security, so you can remain connected to your pump. Once you’re through security, your VYALEV delivery system will work normally throughout your flight.
How to administer VYALEV
Yes. The VYALEV pump delivers levodopa-based treatment through a subcutaneous (under-the-skin) continuous infusion using a cannula that is attached to your skin by you or your care partner. You should rotate the infusion site at least once every 3 days.
Once you've been prescribed VYALEV, your doctor or qualified healthcare provider will give you detailed administration instructions including the 5 Ps (Plan, Prepare, Prime, Place, and Pump). You will also be enrolled in the VYALEV Complete program that trains every patient on how to administer VYALEV. With this combined effort, you will be administering VYALEV confidently in no time. If you’d like more information about how training will work, call us at 1-866-489-2538.
The 5 Ps (Plan, Prepare, Prime, Place, and Pump) will help prepare you to administer VYALEV.
- Plan it out by cleaning your hands and workspace and gathering and checking your supplies.
- Prepare the syringe by adding the medication into it, then inserting it into the pump.
- Prime the tubing by filling it with medication.
- Place the cannula on clean skin and connect the tubing.
- Pump the medication by starting the pump. Use its carrying case.
You can see this in more detail by clicking here.
About VYALEV Complete
A Patient Support Program is typically offered by a medication’s manufacturer. It offers resources and dedicated team members to help you throughout your treatment. VYALEV’s Patient Support Program is called VYALEV Complete.
VYALEV Complete is a Patient Support Program that is available at no cost to you. It provides people prescribed VYALEV and their care partners with one-on-one guidance for every step of the treatment journey from a Nurse Ambassador.† Your Ambassador will help prepare you to use the VYALEV delivery system and give you resources to help you move forward. They’ll also help you navigate insurance options and look for ways for you to save. If challenges pop up, your VYALEV Complete dedicated support will be there to help you stay on track.
Yes. When a loved one starts a new treatment, it can affect their care partner and their loved ones, too. Once a patient is enrolled, VYALEV Complete can enroll their care partners. VYALEV Complete can answer your treatment-related questions along the way. You’ll also have access to one-on-one support from a dedicated Nurse Ambassador.†
A Nurse Ambassador is the go-to for VYALEV support and resources for those prescribed VYALEV and their care partners. Once you’re enrolled, you’ll have the same Ambassador helping you start and stay on track with your treatment. They’ll meet with you in the comfort of your own home when you need them. You can also call or video chat with them.
They’ll also:
- Discuss your insurance coverage and out-of-pocket costs
- Prepare you for the start of your infusion at your doctor’s office or at home
- Practice with you until you are prepared to administer your treatment at home
If you still have questions about treatment with VYALEV or if you want to know how it may fit into your lifestyle, always ask your doctor or healthcare provider.
Interested in speaking with someone who is using VYALEV to treat advanced Parkinson's right now? The VYALEV Mentor Program may be what you're looking for. It offers people thinking about starting VYALEV the opportunity to connect with real people who have the taken the next step. They are volunteers who want to help. Learn how you can be matched up with a VYALEV Mentor here.
VYALEV is covered for Traditional Medicare patients. For more information, you can call us at 1-866-489-2538 and we will connect you to a VYALEV Insurance Case Manager.
VYALEV is available for Medicare Advantage patients. For more information, you can call us at 1-866-489-2538 and we will connect you to a VYALEV Insurance Case Manager.
VYALEV is available for Commercial patients, and with the VYALEV Savings Program, eligible commercially insured patients may pay as little as $0 a month.‡ For more information, you can call us at 1-866-489-2538.
‡Please see Terms & Conditions here.
Specialty Pharmacy
A Specialty Pharmacy is a type of pharmacy that handles medications that may have special requirements for storage and handling. Specialty Pharmacies ship the medication and supplies directly to your home.
All medication, refills, and medical equipment will be mailed to you. Your Specialty Pharmacy will call ahead of time to schedule your shipments and refills.
†Nurse Ambassadors are provided by AbbVie and do not work under the direction of your healthcare professional (HCP) or give medical advice. They are trained to direct patients to their HCP for treatment-related advice, including further referrals.
§A Specialty Pharmacy is a type of pharmacy that handles medication for conditions like advanced Parkinson’s. These medications often need special storage and processing.
