Generic name: valbenazine [ val-BEN-a-zeen ]
Drug class: VMAT2 inhibitors
What is Ingrezza?
Ingrezza 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:
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heart disease;
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long QT syndrome or other heart rhythm disorder;
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congestive heart failure;
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a heart attack;
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liver disease; or
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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:
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extreme drowsiness;
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fast, slow, or uneven heartbeats;
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pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;
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shortness of breath; or
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a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; or
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Parkinson-like symptoms - tremors, shaking, stiffness, problems with balance or walking.
Common Ingrezza side effects may include:
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headache, dizziness, drowsiness;
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problems with balance or coordination;
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dry mouth;
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feeling restless;
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constipation; or
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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.
Popular FAQ
Ingrezza costs approximately $6,252 for thirty 40mg capsules and $7038 for thirty 80mg capsules, or an annual cost of $74,000 to $85,000 per year; however, most people do not pay this amount. People with commercial insurance may qualify for a $0 copay for each Ingrezza prescription through the INBRACE Support Program and approximately 36% of Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans cover Ingrezza. For people with Medicaid, most states require prior authorization for Ingrezza and the satisfaction of certain criteria before it can be funded. Continue reading
Experts aren’t sure exactly how Ingrezza works but suggest it blocks a protein transporter called vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2), which is responsible for regulating the uptake of neurotransmitters such as dopamine. The abnormal functioning of dopamine is thought to be a cause of tardive dyskinesia (TD). By blocking VMAT2, Ingrezza reduces the uptake of dopamine, causing a decrease in symptoms of TD. Continue reading
Ingrezza (valbenazine) capsules are approved for the treatment of adults with tardive dyskinesia TD). TD can lead to repetitive movements in your body that you cannot control due to long-term use of antipsychotic medicines. These areas in your body can include your lips, eyes, tongue, arms, hands, legs, feet or body trunk. Continue reading
A specialty pharmacy will dispense your Ingrezza and will mail it directly to you via overnight mail. Your doctor will send your prescription to the appropriate pharmacy, and they will contact you to verify the information. Continue reading
Weight gain has been reported in a 6-week clinical study with Ingrezza, but it is not a common side effect. In this study with 151 patients taking either the 40 mg/day or 80 mg/day dose, 3 patients had weight gain (2%) compared to zero patients (0%) in the placebo (inactive treatment) group. Continue reading
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Further information
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Ingrezza only for the indication prescribed.
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
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