How long does it take for Austedo to work?
Austedo (deutetrabenazine) can start improving symptoms within two weeks, based on phase III clinical trials in patients with Huntington’s disease-associated chorea and tardive dyskinesia.
During the dose titration phase of these trials a continuous improvement in symptoms was observed. During the dose titration phase of these trials the dose of Austedo was optimized over six-to-eight weeks, or the dose of Austedo was titrated up over four weeks until the maximum dose the patient was assigned to receive was achieved.
How Quickly Does Austedo Work for Huntington’s Disease?
Improvements in Total Maximal Chorea (TMC) scores were observed by week 2 of a 12-week trial conducted in 90 patients with Huntington’s disease who received either Austedo or placebo.
- The dose was adjusted over the first 8 weeks until symptoms were well controlled, followed by a 4-week maintenance phase.
- Symptoms improved week-by-week during titration. After stopping treatment at week 13, TMC scores returned to baseline levels.
How Quickly Does Austedo Work for Tardive Dyskinesia?
Improvements in Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) scores were observed by week 2 of two 12-weeks trials, which enrolled more than 300 patients with tardive dyskinesia who received either Austedo or placebo.
- The dose was adjusted over 4 to 6 weeks until dyskinesia was adequately controlled or the assigned maximum dose was reached.
- Patients continued on a maintenance dose for the remainder of the trial, with ongoing improvements in AIMS scores throughout the 12-week period.
- Significant symptom reductions were observed at 24 mg/day and 36 mg/day, but not at 12 mg/day in one trial.
- Another phase III trial reported significant improvements, with an average maintenance dose of 38 mg/day.
Related questions
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Key Takeaways
- Austedo starts working within 2 weeks for both Huntington’s disease and tardive dyskinesia.
- Dosage adjustments typically occur over 4 to 8 weeks, followed by a maintenance phase.
- Symptom improvements were consistent across clinical trials, with higher doses yielding greater benefits.
This FAQ does not include all necessary information for the safe and effective use of Austedo. Always refer to the full prescribing information and discuss any concerns with your doctor or healthcare provider.
References
- Huntington Study Group, Frank S, Testa CM, et al. Effect of Deutetrabenazine on Chorea Among Patients With Huntington Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2016;316(1):40-50. doi:10.1001/jama.2016.8655.
- Anderson KE, Stamler D, Davis MD, et al. Deutetrabenazine for treatment of involuntary movements in patients with tardive dyskinesia (AIM-TD): a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial. Lancet Psychiatry. 2017;4(8):595-604. doi:10.1016/S2215-0366(17)30236-5.
- Fernandez HH, Factor SA, Hauser RA, et al. Randomized controlled trial of deutetrabenazine for tardive dyskinesia: The ARM-TD study. Neurology. 2017;88(21):2003-2010. doi:10.1212/WNL.0000000000003960.
Read next
How much does Ingrezza cost and will insurance cover it?
Ingrezza costs approximately $7,921 for 28 capsules of the 40mg strength and $8,702 for 28 capsules of the 80mg strength, or an annual cost of $102,973 to $113,126 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 46% 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
Which pharmacies can dispense Ingrezza?
A specialty pharmacy will dispense your Ingrezza or Ingrezza Sprinkle 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
How long does it take for Ingrezza to work?
Ingrezza takes approximately 6 to 8 weeks to start working, although some improvements in symptoms of tardive dyskinesia (TD) and chorea associated with Huntington's disease (HD) may be noticed within two weeks. Maximal effects of Ingrezza may take up to 32 weeks to develop for TD and up to 12 weeks for chorea associated with HD. Continue reading
See also:
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Drug information
- Austedo Information for Consumers
- Austedo prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Austedo (detailed)
- Austedo user reviews (12)
Related support groups
- Austedo (5 questions, 12 members)
- Tardive Dyskinesia (36 questions, 173 members)
- Huntington's Disease (15 questions, 14 members)