Deutetrabenazine

Generic name: Deutetrabenazine
Drug class: VMAT2 inhibitors

Usage of Deutetrabenazine

Deutetrabenazine is used in adults to treat involuntary muscle movements (chorea) caused by Huntington's disease. Deutetrabenazine is not a cure for Huntington's disease and will not treat other symptoms of this condition.

Deutetrabenazine is also used in adults to treat symptoms of tardive dyskinesia, a nervous system disorder. Tardive dyskinesia causes repetitive uncontrolled muscle movements, usually in the face (chewing, lip smacking, frowning, tongue movement, blinking or eye movement).

Deutetrabenazine is not a permanent cure for involuntary movement disorders.

Deutetrabenazine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Deutetrabenazine side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Some people have thoughts about suicide while taking deutetrabenazine. Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Your family or caregivers should also watch for sudden changes in your behavior.

Some side effects may actually be signs that your Huntington's disease is progressing. Your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis.

Deutetrabenazine may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness (like you might pass out);

severe restlessness or agitation;

tremors, shaking;

muscle stiffness;

problems with balance or coordination; or

severe nervous system reaction--very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, feeling like you might pass out.

Common side effects of deutetrabenazine may include:

drowsiness;

tiredness;

dry mouth;

runny or stuffy nose, sore throat;

sleep problems (insomnia); or

diarrhea.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Deutetrabenazine

You should not use deutetrabenazine if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

untreated or uncontrolled depression;

thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself;

if you have recently taken tetrabenazine or valbenazine; or

liver disease.

Do not use deutetrabenazine if you have taken reserpine in the past 20 days, or if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

depression, anxiety, nervousness, or agitation;

mental illness or psychosis;

suicidal thoughts or actions;

breast cancer;

a heart rhythm disorder;

long QT syndrome (in you or a family member);

an electrolyte imbalance (such as low blood levels of potassium or magnesium); or

liver disease.

People with Huntington's disease may have a higher risk of depression and suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Taking deutetrabenazine may further increase this risk. However, the benefits of taking deutetrabenazine (improvement in daily living) may outweigh any suicidal risks.

Taking deutetrabenazine may cause symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease (resting tremor, stiff muscles, slow movements, difficulty maintaining balance and walking). Ask your doctor about your risk.

Your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis. Your family or caregivers should also watch for sudden changes in your behavior.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Relate drugs

How to use Deutetrabenazine

Usual Adult Dose for Huntington Disease:

-Initial Dose: 6 mg orally once a day -Maintenance Dose: May increase dose in increments of 6 mg/day at weekly intervals.-Maximum Dose: 48 mg/day in divided dosesComments: -Determine the dose for each patient based on chorea reduction and tolerability. -Administer total daily dosages of 12 mg or more in 2 divided doses.-May discontinue this drug without tapering. -Re-titrate dose when resuming this drug following therapy interruption of greater than 1 week; resume therapy at the previous maintenance dose without titration if treatment interruption is less than 1 week.-For patients at risk for QT prolongation, assess the QT interval before and after increasing total dosage above 24 mg per day.Use: For chorea associated with Huntington's disease

Usual Adult Dose for Tardive Dyskinesia:

-Initial Dose: 6 mg orally 2 times a day -Maintenance Dose: May increase dose in increments of 6 mg/day at weekly intervals.-Maximum Dose: 48 mg/day in divided dosesComments: -Determine the dose for each patient based on tardive dyskinesia reduction and tolerability. -Administer total daily dosages of 12 mg or more in 2 divided doses.-May discontinue this drug without tapering. -Re-titrate dose when resuming this drug following therapy interruption of greater than 1 week; resume therapy at the previous maintenance dose without titration if treatment interruption is less than 1 week.-For patients at risk for QT prolongation, assess the QT interval before and after increasing total dosage above 24 mg per day.Use: For tardive dyskinesia

Warnings

Some people have thoughts about suicide while taking deutetrabenazine. Tell your doctor right away if you have any sudden changes in mood or behavior, or thoughts about suicide.

What other drugs will affect Deutetrabenazine

Deutetrabenazine can cause a serious heart problem. Your risk may be higher if you also use certain other medicines for infections, asthma, heart problems, high blood pressure, depression, mental illness, cancer, malaria, or HIV.

Using deutetrabenazine with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Many drugs can affect deutetrabenazine. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Disclaimer

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