VALBENAZINE - ORAL

VALBENAZINE - ORAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (val-BEN-a-zeen)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Ingrezza

GENERIC NAME(S): valbenazine tosylate

Uses

USES: Valbenazine is used to treat involuntary movements of the face, tongue, or other body parts (tardive dyskinesia). 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 VALBENAZINE - ORAL

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using valbenazine 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. 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. 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). Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Drowsiness, dizziness, balance problems, restlessness, and vomiting may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she 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. Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: fast/irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, fainting. 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.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking valbenazine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; 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: liver problems. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana 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. Valbenazine may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right away. The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT prolongation. Before using valbenazine, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take and if you have any of the following conditions: certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG), family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death). Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you use certain drugs (such as diuretics/"water pills") or if you have conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your doctor about using valbenazine safely. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially QT prolongation (see above). 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. Breast-feeding while using this drug and for 5 days after stopping treatment is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG 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. Some products that may interact with this drug are: deutetrabenazine, tetrabenazine. Other medications can affect the removal of valbenazine from your body, which may affect how valbenazine works. Examples include rifamycins (such as rifabutin, rifampin), drugs used to treat seizures (such as carbamazepine, phenytoin), St. John's wort, among others. Taking MAO inhibitors with this medication may cause a serious (possibly fatal) drug interaction. Do not take any MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, tranylcypromine) during treatment with this medication. Ask your doctor when to start or stop taking this medication.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Images

INGREZZA 40 MG CAPSULE

color
white
shape
oblong
imprint
VBZ 40, VBZ 40

color
purple
shape
oblong
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VBZ 80, VBZ 80

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Faq for VALBENAZINE - ORAL

Valbenazine is an oral medication primarily used to treat the symptoms of tardive dyskinesia, a movement disorder characterized by repetitive, uncontrollable movements of the face, tongue, or other body parts.

Valbenazine works by blocking the reuptake of a chemical called dopamine in the brain. By reducing the levels of dopamine, it helps to control the abnormal movements associated with tardive dyskinesia.

The recommended starting dose of Valbenazine is usually 40 mg once daily. The dosage may be increased to 80 mg once daily after one week if needed. However, the exact dosage should be determined by a healthcare professional based on individual needs and response.

Common side effects of Valbenazine include sleepiness, dry mouth, parkinsonism (symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease), restlessness, and altered taste sensation. It is important to discuss any side effects with a doctor.

Valbenazine may interact with certain medications, including but not limited to, strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and certain antidepressants. It is important to inform healthcare professionals about all the medications currently being taken to avoid potential drug interactions.

The beneficial effects of Valbenazine may be noticed within a few weeks of starting the medication. However, the full effect may take up to 12 weeks or longer to be realized. It is essential to follow the prescribed dosage and continue taking the medication as instructed by a healthcare professional.

Valbenazine's use during pregnancy or breastfeeding is not recommended as there is limited data available on its safety in these situations. It is important to discuss the risks and benefits with a healthcare professional before considering the use of Valbenazine.

If a dose of Valbenazine is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered. However, if it is close to the next scheduled dose, the missed dose should be skipped. Taking extra doses to make up for the missed dose is not recommended.

No, Valbenazine should not be abruptly discontinued without consulting a healthcare professional. Sudden discontinuation may lead to a worsening of the underlying condition. It is important to work with a doctor to carefully taper the dosage if the decision to stop Valbenazine is made.



Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.