Side Effects
Drowsiness, trouble sleeping, tiredness, dizziness, nausea, or vomiting may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Your doctor may need to adjust your dose to reduce these side effects.
To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: agitation/restlessness, Parkinson’s disease symptoms (such as shaking/tremors, slowed movement, loss of balance).
Sometimes deutetrabenazine can cause side effects that are similar to the symptoms of worsening Huntington’s disease. Your doctor may need to adjust your dose to see if these side effects are due to the drug or to the disease. Tell your doctor right away if any of these serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes (such as new/worsening depression, suicidal thoughts/attempts, problems with thinking), trouble swallowing, uncontrolled muscle movements of the face (such as lip smacking, unusual tongue movements), signs of increased prolactin hormone (such as enlarged breasts, abnormal breast milk production, decreased sexual ability, a change in menstrual cycle).
This medication may rarely cause a very serious condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). Get medical help right away if you have any of the following symptoms: fever, muscle stiffness/pain/tenderness/weakness, severe tiredness, severe confusion, sweating, fast/irregular heartbeat, dark urine, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine).
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Uses
Deutetrabenazine is used to decrease involuntary movements (chorea) caused by Huntington’s disease. It is also used to treat involuntary movements of the face, tongue, or other body parts (tardive dyskinesia). Reducing involuntary movements will help you take part in more of your normal daily activities. This medication is thought to work by decreasing the amount of certain natural substances in the brain that affect how your nerves and muscles work (monoamines such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine).
How to use Austedo XR 24 Mg Tablet,Extended Release Dopamine-Depleting Agents
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using deutetrabenazine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Swallow the tablets whole. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. If you stop taking this medication for more than 1 week, do not take another dose until you talk to your doctor. You may need to restart your medication at a lower dose.
Tell your doctor if you do not get better or if you get worse.
Warnings
If you have Huntington’s disease, deutetrabenazine can sometimes increase the risk of depression and suicidal thoughts/attempts. People with Huntington’s disease are already more likely to have depression and suicidal thoughts/attempts. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of this medication. People with Huntington’s disease and depression must not use deutetrabenazine if they are not being treated for depression or if they still have symptoms of depression with medication/treatment. Tell your doctor right away if you or your family/caregivers notice that you have new/worsening symptoms of depression, sadness, loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy, suicidal thoughts/attempts, or other mental/mood/behavior changes (such as new/worsening anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, irritability, hostile/angry feelings).
Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.
A product that may interact with this drug is: valbenazine.
Taking MAO inhibitors with this medication may cause a serious (possibly fatal) drug interaction. Do not take any MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, metaxalone, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, tranylcypromine) during treatment with this medication. Most MAO inhibitors should also not be taken for two weeks before and after treatment with this medication. Ask your doctor when to start or stop taking this medication.
Deutetrabenazine is very similar to tetrabenazine. Do not use medications containing tetrabenazine while using deutetrabenazine.
Precautions
Before taking deutetrabenazine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to tetrabenazine; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: breast cancer, liver problems, certain heart problems (fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG).
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.