Explore Important Facts About Ingrezza Medication

Ingrezza, or valbenazine, is a vesicular monoamine transporter 2 inhibitor used to manage certain involuntary movement disorders in adults. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration lists it for treating tardive dyskinesia and chorea associated with Huntington disease.

Understanding Ingrezza Medication and Its Uses

Ingrezza works by influencing VMAT2, a protein involved in transporting certain neurotransmitters within nerve cells. By modifying this activity, the medicine can help reduce abnormal involuntary movements associated with the conditions for which it is prescribed.

Important facts about its use include:

• Ingrezza is approved for adults with tardive dyskinesia.
• It is also approved for adults with chorea associated with Huntington disease.
• The medication is taken orally and can be taken with or without food.
• The dosage is determined according to the condition being treated, response, tolerability, and certain individual health factors.
• The prescribing information includes specific dosage recommendations for people with moderate or severe hepatic impairment and known CYP2D6 poor metabolizer status.

For tardive dyskinesia, the FDA prescribing information states that treatment generally begins at 40 mg once daily, with an increase to 80 mg once daily after one week when appropriate. For Huntington disease chorea, the starting dose is also 40 mg once daily, with increases made in 20 mg increments at appropriate intervals.

Important Safety Information About Ingrezza

Like other prescription medicines, Ingrezza may cause side effects and requires consideration of a person's medical history and other medications. The FDA prescribing information includes a boxed warning concerning depression and suicidal thoughts or behavior in people with Huntington disease. Patients and caregivers should watch for changes in mood or behavior and discuss concerning symptoms promptly with a healthcare professional.

Key safety considerations include:

• Patients should follow the dosage prescribed by their healthcare professional.
• Healthcare professionals should know about other medicines being taken because Ingrezza can interact with medications affecting CYP3A4 or CYP2D6 enzymes.
• Strong CYP3A4 inducers are not recommended with Ingrezza, while dosage adjustments may be needed with certain strong CYP3A4 or CYP2D6 inhibitors.
• People with moderate or severe liver impairment may require a lower dosage.
• Possible adverse reactions should be discussed with a healthcare professional, particularly when symptoms are persistent or severe.
• Patients with Huntington disease should be monitored for depression, suicidal thoughts, or unusual behavioral changes.

Understanding these considerations can help support informed conversations between patients and healthcare professionals. Ingrezza should be used only according to an appropriate prescription and medical guidance.

Ingrezza is a VMAT2 inhibitor approved for adults with tardive dyskinesia and chorea associated with Huntington disease. Its dosage and safety considerations can vary depending on the condition, liver function, metabolism, and other medicines being used. The medication also carries an important warning concerning depression and suicidal thoughts or behavior in people with Huntington disease. This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, sales, or a service recommendation. Individuals should consult a qualified healthcare professional or the official prescribing information for guidance specific to their circumstances.