Generic name: valbenazine (val BEN a zeen)
Brand name: Ingrezza
Drug class: VMAT2 inhibitors
Ingrezza (valbenazine) blocks certain chemicals in the body that may be involved with involuntary muscle movement.
Ingrezza is used to treat symptoms of tardive dyskinesia, a nervous system disorder. Tardive dyskinesia causes repetitive uncontrolled muscle movements, usually in the face (chewing, lip smacking, frowning, tongue movement, blinking or eye movement).
Ingrezza is not a permanent cure for this condition.
Warnings
Do not breastfeed while using Ingrezza and for at least 5 days after your last dose.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Ingrezza if you are allergic to valbenazine.
To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- heart disease;
- long QT syndrome or other heart rhythm disorder;
- congestive heart failure;
- a heart attack;
- liver disease; or
- kidney disease.
It is not known whether Ingrezza will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Do not breastfeed while using this medicine and for at least 5 days after your last dose.
Ingrezza is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
How should I take Ingrezza?
Take Ingrezza exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
You may take Ingrezza with or without food.
Your heart function may need to be checked using an electrocardiograph or ECG (sometimes called an EKG).
Do not stop taking this medicine without first asking your doctor.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Tardive Dyskinesia:
-Initial Dose: 40 mg orally once a day
-Maintenance Dose: Increase to 80 mg orally once a day after one week at the initial dose; however, continuation of the initial dose may be considered for some patients.
Comments: Administer with or without food.
Use: Treatment of tardive dyskinesia.
What other drugs will affect Ingrezza?
Other drugs may interact with valbenazine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What to avoid
Valbenazine may impair your thinking or reactions. Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries.
Ingrezza side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Ingrezza: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- extreme drowsiness;
- fast, slow, or uneven heartbeats;
- pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;
- shortness of breath; or
- a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; or
- Parkinson-like symptoms - tremors, shaking, stiffness, problems with balance or walking.
Common Ingrezza side effects may include:
- headache, dizziness, drowsiness;
- problems with balance or coordination;
- dry mouth;
- feeling restless;
- constipation; or
- blurred vision.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Ingrezza?
Other drugs may interact with valbenazine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.