Ingrezza: Uses, Side Effects, Dosages, Precautions

What is Ingrezza?

• Ingrezza (valbenazine) is a prescription medication used to treat adults with tardive dyskinesia (TD), a serious side effect caused by long-term use of certain mental illness medications.
• TD is associated with repetitive, involuntary movements of the face, neck, and tongue.

Uses of Ingrezza

• Ingrezza is specifically indicated for the treatment of TD in adults.

Important Safety Information

• Contraindications:
  • Hypersensitivity to valbenazine or any ingredients of Ingrezza
  • Severe hepatic impairment
  • Concomitant use with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
• Warnings and Precautions:
  • Use caution in patients with:
    • Cardiovascular disease
    • Renal impairment
    • Prolonged QTc interval
    • History of seizures
    • Parkinson's disease
    • Dementia
    • Depression
    • Suicidal ideation
  • Ingrezza may cause drowsiness, dizziness, and blurred vision. Avoid activities requiring mental alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know how Ingrezza affects you.
  • Grapefruit juice may increase Ingrezza levels in the blood. Avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking Ingrezza.

Dosage and Administration

• Initial Dose: 40 mg once daily for 1 week
• Maintenance Dose: 80 mg once daily, starting after the first week
• Maximum Dose: 80 mg once daily

Side Effects of Ingrezza

• Common side effects include:
  • Somnolence (sleepiness)
  • Headache
  • Dry mouth
  • Dizziness
  • Akathisia (restlessness)
  • Constipation
• Serious side effects include:
  • Cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats)
  • Allergic reactions
  • QTc prolongation (prolonged heart rate correction interval)
  • Respiratory depression
  • Syncope (fainting)

Drug Interactions

• MAOIs: Concurrent use is contraindicated due to increased risk of serotonin syndrome.
• Other drugs that may interact with Ingrezza include:
  • Fluoxetine
  • Paroxetine
  • Rifampin
  • Carbamazepine
  • Ketoconazole
  • Quinidine

Pregnancy and Lactation

• Ingrezza is not recommended for use during pregnancy or lactation due to lack of safety and efficacy data.

Overdosage

• Symptoms of Ingrezza overdose may include:
  • Somnolence
  • Dizziness
  • Syncope
• Treatment of overdose should include supportive care and close monitoring of vital signs.

Storage and Handling

• Store Ingrezza at room temperature, between 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F).
• Protect from light and moisture.

Additional Information

• For more detailed information, refer to the full prescribing information for Ingrezza.