What is Deutetrabenazine?
Deutetrabenazine can be used to treat adults with involuntary movements of the muscles (chorea), which are caused by Huntington’s disease. Deutetrabenazine does not cure Huntington's disease, and it will not treat any other symptoms. Deutetrabenazine can also be used to treat the symptoms of delayed dyskinesia in adults. The disorder is characterized by uncontrolled repetitive muscle movements in the face, such as lip-smacking and frowning. Deutetrabenazine does not cure involuntary movement disorders. Deutetrabenazine can be used in other ways not mentioned in the medication guide.
Side effects of Deutetrabenazine
If you experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, hives or swelling on your lips, face, throat or tongue it could be related to an allergy. Deutetrabenazine can cause suicidal thoughts in some people. Be alert for any changes in mood or symptoms. You and your family members should be on the lookout for any sudden changes in your behavior. Some of the side effects could be an indication that Huntington's is getting worse. You will have to visit your doctor regularly in order for him or her to monitor the progress of your disease.
Deutetrabenazine may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Your symptoms could include rapid or pounding pulses, chest fluttering, shortness of breath and sudden dizziness.
- Severe restlessness and agitation
- Tremors, shaking;
- Muscle stiffness
- Problems with coordination or balance;
- Severe nervous system reaction: very stiff muscles (rigid), high fever, sweating, and confusion. Fast or irregular heartbeats. Tremors. Feeling like you may pass out.
Deutetrabenazine can cause a number of side effects, including:
- Drowsiness;
- Tiredness;
- Dry mouth
- Sore throat, runny nose, or stuffy nose
- Sleep problems (insomnia);
There may be other side effects. Call your doctor if experiencing side effects; to report side effects call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Deutetrabenazine can cause suicidal thoughts in some people. Should you notice changes in your mood or behavior that indicate suicide ideas, contact your physician as soon as possible.
Before you take this drug
Deutetrabenazine should be avoided if:
- Untreated or uncontrolled depression
- Thoughts of suicide or harming yourself
- If you've recently taken Valbenazine or Tetrabenazine,
- Liver Disease.
Deutetrabenazine should not be used if reserpine has been taken in the last 20 days or an MAO-inhibitor in the previous 14 days. If you take it, a dangerous drug-drug interaction may occur. MAO inhibitors are isocarboxazid linezolid, methylene blue injection phenelzine, and tranylcypromine.
If you or a family member have:
- Depression, anxiety, or nervousness
- Mental illness, or psychosis.
- Suicidal ideas or acts
- Breast Cancer
- A heart rhythm disorder.
- Long QT Syndrome
- An electrolyte balance (such as a low potassium or magnesium level in the blood);
- Liver disease
Huntington's patients may be at a greater risk for depression or suicidal behavior. Deutetrabenazine may increase your risk for suicidal thoughts or behaviors.Deutetrabenazine may have benefits (improvement of daily life) that outweigh the risks. Deutetrabenazine can cause similar symptoms as Parkinson’s disease, including a resting tremor and stiff muscles. It may also lead to difficulty walking, maintaining balance, or having a slow movement. Consult your doctor to determine your personal risk. You will be required to have your doctor check on you regularly. Families or caretakers should be on the lookout for any sudden changes in your behavior.Informing your physician of any gestation or nursing will enable them to provide accurate recommendations.
How to take Deutetrabenazine?
Read all the instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow the directions. Sometimes, your doctor will change the dose. You must take the medication exactly as prescribed. Take your first deutetrabenazine dose one day after your last tetrabenazine dose. Deutetrabenazine can be taken with food or not and is best taken once or twice per day. Do not chew or crush the tablet. If you are having trouble swallowing the whole tablet, tell your doctor. Electrocardiograms (also called EKGs) or ECGs are used to test your heart's function. Stop taking the medication without consulting your doctor. Don't start it up again without consulting your doctor if you have stopped taking deutetrabenazine for longer than a week. Keep away from heat and moisture. Store the medication in its original container with the moisture-absorbing preservation packet or canister.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for Huntington disease:
Initial Dose: Orally, 6 mg once daily.
Maintenance Dose: Increase the dose by 6 mg/day in weekly increments.
Maximum Dose: 48 mg/day divided into two doses
Comments:
Determine the dosage for each patient according to chorea reduction, tolerance, and effectiveness.
Dosages of more than 12 mg per day should be divided into two doses.
You may discontinue the drug immediately without tapering.
If the treatment break is greater than one week, titrate your dose back up. Otherwise, resume at the maintenance dose you were on before.
Assess the QT interval in patients who are at high risk of QT prolongation before and after increasing their total daily dosage over 24 mg.
Use for chorea caused by Huntington's disease
Adult dose for Tardive dysskinesia:
Initial Dose: 6 mg, orally twice daily
Maintenance Dose: Increase the dose by 6 mg/day in weekly increments.
Maximum Dose: 48 mg/day divided into two doses
Comments:
Determine the dosage for each patient according to their tardive dyskinesia and tolerance.
Dosages of more than 12 mg per day should be divided into two doses.
You may discontinue the drug immediately without having to taper.
If the treatment break is greater than one week, re-titrate your dose. Otherwise, resume at the maintenance dose you were on before.
Assess the QT interval in patients who are at high risk of QT prolongation before and after increasing their total daily dosage over 24 mg.
Use for tardive dyskinesia
What happens if I miss the dose?
If it is almost time for another dose, skip any that were missed and only ever take one at a time. Never double up on doses at one sitting!
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 immediately if you suspect poisoning. Otherwise seek immediate medical care. Involuntary movements of the muscles, rapid eye movement, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may be symptoms. Other signs include flushing or sweating.
What should be avoided?
Deutetrabenazine can cause you to feel dizzy or drowsy. Avoid dangerous activities until you are sure how they will affect you.Drowsiness or dizziness may result in accidents and potentially serious injuries. Alcohol consumption can have side effects when taken with this medication.
Interaction with other drug
Deutetrabenazine may cause serious heart problems. You are at greater risk if you use other medications for heart disease, high blood pressure, HIV. This effect can be worsened by using deutetrabenazine in conjunction with drugs that cause drowsiness. Before taking an opioid, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, anxiety medications, or medicines for seizures or anxiety, consult your doctor. Deutetrabenazine can be affected by many drugs. These include prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medicines. This list does not include all interactions. Inform your doctor of all the medications you are taking.
