Austedo drug: Uses, indications and notes when using

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Austedo is used to reduce 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 participate more in normal daily activities.

1. What are the uses of Austedo?

Austedo is used to reduce 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 participate more in normal daily activities.
However, Austedo is not a cure for Huntington's disease or tardive dyskinesia.
Austedo is thought to reduce the amount of certain natural substances in the brain that affect the way your nerves and muscles work like dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine.

2. Indications and contraindications of the drug Austedo

Austedo is indicated in the following cases:
Abnormal, involuntary spasms of the extremities or facial muscles caused by Huntington's disease. Tardive dyskinesia. A disorder characterized by involuntary movements of the face. mouth and tongue movement disorders. Austedo is contraindicated in the following cases:
People with suicidal thoughts. Depression Parkinson's disease Neuroleptic malignant syndrome Fever Muscle stiffness Restlessness Inability to sit still People allergic to tetrabenazine derivatives

3. How to use Austedo

Carefully read the instructions for use of Austedo given by your doctor before you start using it and each time you are prescribed your next medication.
Austedo is to be taken by mouth with food as directed by your doctor, usually once or twice a day. You must not chew, crush or break the tablet before taking it. However, many medications are similar to immediate-release tablets that can be chewed, crushed, or broken up for use.
To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start Austedo at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. So you need to follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
The dose of Austedo is calculated by your doctor 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, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal products.
To achieve the best effect, you should take Austedo regularly. To help you remember and avoid forgetting to take your medicine, take it at the same time(s) each day.
If you stop taking Austedo for more than 1 week, you must not take another dose until you talk to your doctor. You may have to restart Austedo at a lower dose.
While using Austedo, if your condition does not improve or if it gets worse, tell your doctor.

4. Warnings of the drug Austedo

If you have Huntington's disease, Austedo can sometimes increase your risk of depression and suicidal thoughts. People with Huntington's disease themselves were more likely to experience depression and suicidal thoughts than the general population. You should therefore talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of Austedo.
People with Huntington's disease and depression should not use Austedo if they are not being treated for their depression or if they still have symptoms of depression.
Tell your doctor right away if you or your family or caregivers notice that you have:
New or worsening symptoms of depression. Sadness Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy. Having suicidal thoughts or attempting suicide. Or other mental, mood or behavioral changes such as new or worse anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, irritability, feelings of hostility or anger.

5. Side effects of the drug Austedo

During the use of Austedo drugs may appear symptoms such as drowsiness, trouble sleeping, fatigue, dizziness, nausea and vomiting. If you notice any of these effects persist or get worse, tell your doctor right away. Your doctor may need to adjust your dose of Austedo to reduce these side effects.
To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness while taking Austedo, get up slowly when getting up from a sitting or lying position.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed Austedo because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people use Austedo without any serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:
Agitation or restlessness. Symptoms of Parkinson's disease include tremors, loss of balance, and slowed movement. Sometimes Austedo can cause side effects that are similar to those of Huntington's disease getting worse. Your doctor may need to adjust your dose of Austedo to see if these symptoms are caused by the medication or by the disease. Tell your doctor right away if any of these serious side effects occur:
Mood changes such as new or worsening depression. Having thoughts of or attempting suicide Thinking problems Difficulty swallowing Uncontrollable facial muscle movements such as smirking, abnormal tongue movements. Signs of increased prolactin hormone such as breast enlargement, abnormal breast milk production, decreased sex drive, change in menstrual cycle .
Austedo can 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 fatigue Severe confusion Sweating Fast/irregular heartbeat Water dark urine, signs of kidney problems such as a change in the amount of urine. A very serious allergic reaction to Austedo is very rare. However, seek medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching, or swelling of any part, especially the in the face, tongue, or throat; severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
Common side effects when using Austedo include:
Diarrhea Drowsiness Dry mouth Low energy Sore throat

Rare side effects of Austedo include:
Suicidal thoughts Agitation Feelings of anxiety Bruising Confusion Constipation Constipation Depression Difficulty sleeping Dizziness Anxiety Urinary tract infection Rare side effects of use Austedo uses include:
Feeling restless, unable to sit still Another type of movement disorder called Parkinson's Suicidal behavior This is not a complete list of possible side effects with use Austedo drug. So if you notice other effects not listed above while using Austedo, contact your doctor right away.

6. Measures to prevent side effects of Austedo

Before taking Austedo, tell your doctor if you are allergic to this medicine; or tetrabenazine; or if you have any other allergies. Austedo may contain inactive ingredients, ingredients that can also cause allergic reactions or other problems.
Before using Austedo, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
Breast cancer Liver problems Certain heart problems such as: fast/slow/no heartbeat regular, prolongation of the QT interval in the electrocardiogram. Austedo can make you dizzy or drowsy, and alcohol or marijuana can make it worse. Therefore, you should not drive, use machines, or do anything that requires alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages while taking Austedo. If you are using marijuana, you need to let your doctor know this.
Before surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking Austedo and all the products you are using including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and products herbal products.
Women during pregnancy should only use Austedo when absolutely necessary. Discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of taking Austedo.

7. Drug interactions of Austedo

Drug interactions are reactions that occur when 2 or more drugs are taken at the same time, which can change the way the drugs work or increase the risk of serious side effects. You need to keep a list of all the products you use including prescription/over-the-counter medicines and herbal products and share this list with your doctor.
Some products that may interact with Austedo are: valbenazine.
Using MAO inhibitors together with Austedo can cause serious drug interactions, which can even be fatal. Therefore, do not use any MAO inhibitors such as isocarboxazid, methylene blue, linezolid, moclobemide, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine during treatment with Austedo. Most MAO inhibitors should also not be taken for two weeks before and after treatment with Austedo. Ask your doctor when to start or stop using Austedo.
The main ingredient of the drug Austedo is Deutetrabenazine which is very similar to tetrabenazine. Therefore, do not use drugs containing tetrabenazine while using Austedo.

8. What to do when using Austedo drug overdose?

If you or someone else has overdosed on Austedo and has severe symptoms such as fainting or difficulty breathing, call 911, or rush the patient to the nearest medical facility. Austedo overdose symptoms may include: muscle stiffness/pain, eyeballs in fixed position upward, sweating, dizziness, severe drowsiness.

9. What to do when forgetting to take Austedo

If you miss a dose of Austedo, take it as soon as you remember. If you find that it is almost time for your next Austedo dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take a double dose of Austedo to make up for a missed dose.

10. Storing Austedo

Store Austedo at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Do not store Austedo in the bathroom. Keep Austedo and all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush Austedo down the toilet or down the drain unless you are instructed to do so. Dispose of Austedo properly when it has expired or is no longer needed by you.

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Reference source: webmd.com