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.