Can Ingrezza capsules be opened?
Ingrezza Sprinkle capsules can be opened and sprinkled on soft food, such as applesauce, yogurt or pudding before swallowing. Do not chew the granules before swallowing. If you use the regular Ingrezza capsule that is swallowed and not sprinkled, do not open, cut, crush or split the capsule without your doctor’s advice.
To take Ingrezza Sprinkle Capsules:
- Open the capsule and sprinkle the granules over a small amount (one tablespoonful) of soft food such as applesauce, yogurt, or pudding and then swallow the soft food right away. Do not crush or chew the Ingrezza Sprinkle capsule or the granules inside the capsule. Do not try to dissolve the granules in milk or water.
- If necessary, the mixture can be stored for up to 2 hours at room temperature. Discard any unused portion after 2 hours.
- After eating all of the soft food mixture that contains the medicine, drink an 8 ounce glass of water (240 mL) to make sure that all of the medicine is swallowed.
- You may also swallow the Ingrezza Sprinkle capsule whole with water (with or without food) if you prefer.
Your pharmacist or doctor can provide you with detailed written instructions on how to take Ingrezza Sprinkle. If you have questions on how to take your Ingrezza, check with your pharmacist.
Your doctor will tell you how much Ingrezza or Ingrezza Sprinkle to take and when to take it. Your dose will be slowly increased to help lessen side effects and evaluate your response. Do not stop taking this medicine without first speaking to your doctor.
If you are having trouble swallowing the your medicine (either the Ingrezza capsule or the Ingrezza Sprinkle cpasule granules) contact your healthcare provider.
Related questions
- How much does Ingrezza cost and will insurance cover it?
- Which pharmacies can dispense Ingrezza?
- How long does it take for Ingrezza to work?
What is Ingrezza used for?
- Ingrezza (valbenazine) is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with movements in the face, tongue, or other body parts that cannot be controlled (tardive dyskinesia).
- It also approved to treat adults with chorea associated with Huntington's disease (HD).
- It works by blocking certain chemicals in your body that may be involved with involuntary muscle movement.
Ingrezza is swallowed by mouth once a day with or without food. It is available as a 40 mg, 60 mg and 80 mg capsules. Your doctor will determine your specific dose. Do not stop taking your medicine without speaking with your healthcare provider first.
Ingrezza Sprinkle capsules were approved by the FDA on April 30, 2024. Ingrezza capsules were approved by the FDA on April 11, 2017.
This is not all the information you need to know about Ingrezza (valbenazine) capsules and Ingrezza Sprinkle capsules for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor's instructions. Review the full patient information and discuss any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.
References
- Ingrezza [product information]. Neurocrine. San Diego, CA. Updated April 2024. Accessed Oct 23, 2024 at https://www.neurocrine.com/documents/3/INGREZZA-Full-Prescribing-Information_PI_Approved.pdf
- Ingrezza FDA Approval History. Drugs.com. May 16, 2024 at https://www.drugs.com/history/ingrezza.html
- Neurocrine Biosciences Announces U.S. FDA Approval of Ingrezza Sprinkle (valbenazine) Capsules. New Drugs. Drugs.com. Accessed May 16, 2024 at https://www.drugs.com/newdrugs/neurocrine-biosciences-announces-u-s-fda-approval-ingrezza-sprinkle-valbenazine-capsules-6263.html
Read next
Does Ingrezza cause weight gain?
Weight gain has been reported in a 6-week clinical study with Ingrezza, but it is not a common side effect. Of 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
Ingrezza mechanism of action: How does it work?
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) and chorea associated with Huntington's disease (HD). By blocking VMAT2, Ingrezza reduces the uptake of dopamine, causing a decrease in symptoms of TD and chorea. Continue reading
What condition is Ingrezza used to treat?
Ingrezza (valbenazine) capsules and Ingrezza Sprinkle capsules are approved for the treatment of adults with tardive dyskinesia and with chorea associated with Huntington's disease (HD), two types of involuntary movement disorders. Ingrezza is a highly selective vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) inhibitor. Continue reading
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Drug information
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