Key facts about Austedo
What is Austedo?
Austedo is the brand name for deutetrabenazine and is available as an oral tablet.
What dosages is Austedo available in?
Austedo is available as a 6 mg, 9 mg, and 12 mg oral tablet.
What is Austedo used for?
Austedo is a VMAT2 inhibitor that is used to treat Chorea associated with Huntington’s disease and tardive dyskinesia.
How does Austedo work?
Austedo is a vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) inhibitor. It is not known exactly how this medication works. It is thought that Austedo blocks a protein in your nerves called VMAT2. This helps lower the amount of certain chemicals in your nerves. Lowering these chemicals in your nerves might help with movement problems.
How do I take Austedo?
The typical starting dose of Austedo is 6 mg by mouth twice daily. Your doctor may increase your dose weekly if needed, up to 24 mg twice daily. This dose may be changed if you take certain medications or have certain genes that increase Austedo levels in your body.
Is it safe for me to take Austedo?
Austedo is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not use this medication in the following:
- Suicidal, or untreated/inadequately treated depression in patients with Huntington’s disease.
- Liver impairment
- Taking reserpine, MAOIs, tetrabenazine, or valbenazine
Austedo Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Austedo:
- Sleepiness
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Tiredness
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Trouble sleeping
- Common cold symptoms
Austedo Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Austedo. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Suicidal thoughts and behaviors
- Symptoms of neuroleptic malignant syndrome: high fever, sweating, stiff muscles, confusion, not aware of your surroundings, uneven heartbeat
- Abnormal movements: restlessness, can’t sit still, squirmy or fidgety, stiff muscles, slow movement, tremors, trouble keeping your balance
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Austedo
The following medications may interact with Austedo:
- Strong CYP2D6 inhibitors; Maximum recommended dose of Austedo is 36 mg per day
- Alcohol or other sedating drugs
Who makes Austedo?
Teva Pharmaceuticals
Is Austedo safe in pregnancy?
Based on animal data, Austedo may cause fetal harm. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have plans on becoming pregnant. They will recommend what is best for you.
