Austedo (deutetrabenazine) is a prescription medicine used to treat the involuntary movement (chorea) of Huntington’s disease. The medication does not cure the cause of the involuntary movements, and it does not treat other symptoms of Huntington’s disease. However, it is used for uncontrolled movement in the face, tongue, or other body parts (also known as tardive dyskinesia). It is given at the standard doses of 6mg, 9mg, or 12 mg tablets twice daily. The doses may be increased at weekly intervals of 6 mg/day based on reduction of chorea or tardive dyskinesia. The maximum recommended daily dose of Austedo is 48 mg (24 mg twice daily). Austedo should be administered with food and most be swallowed whole. Do not chew, crush, or break tablets.
Who should not use Austedo?
Austedo should not be used for patients who have Huntington’s disease and are depressed or have suicidal ideations; patients with liver problems; patients taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) medication, or within 14 days of discontinuing MAOI therapy; patients taking reserpine or within 20 days of discontinuing reserpine; patients taking tetrabenazine (Xenazine) or valbenzine (Ingrezza).
What are the most common side effects?
Austedo may cause somnolence, diarrhea, dry mouth, fatigue, nasopharyngitis, insomnia, throat irritation, drowsiness, or sedation.
How much would this medication cost?
Austedo offers a free trial voucher for patients new to Austedo and have not previously filled a prescription for Austedo. The voucher may be redeemed for up to a total of three prescriptions with only one prescription per Austedo strength or NDC to achieve up to a single 30 day supply. This program expires on December 31, 2020. Also, Austedo offers a $0 copay program for eligible commercially insured patients. You can find the savings programs here.
Is Austedo right for me?
Talk to your doctor to find out if Austedo is a good option for you to treat your chorea or tardive dyskinesia.
If you have any additional questions, feel free to give us a call or send us an email here: Contact Us. We will get back to you shortly.
Written by:
Kalu Kalu
PharmD Candidate 2021
Temple University School of Pharmacy