Valbenazine - Drug Information

Generic Name : Valbenazine
Pronunciation : val-BEN-a-zeen

ICD Code : | Therapeutic Classification : Central Nervous System Agents

Trade Name(s) :

Ingrezza
International - Ingrezza

Overview of Valbenazine

� Valbenazine for oral use has been approved by US FDA in April 2017 for treating adult patients suffering from tardive dyskinesia.

Why is Valbenazine Prescribed? (Indications)

Valbenazine is a vesicular monoamine transporter 2 inhibitor, prescribed to treat a nervous system disorder symptom called tardive dyskinesia in adult patients.
It interferes with the transport of certain nerve chemicals in the nerve endings.

When should Valbenazine not to be taken? (Contraindications)

Valbenazine should not be used in patients with-

� Allergy or hypersensitivity to valbenazine.
� Pregnancy and breastfeeding
� History of heart rhythm disorder like congenital long QT syndrome
� Children under 18 years of age
� Severe kidney impairment

What is the dosage of Valbenazine?

� The recommended initial dose of valbenazine is 40 mg once a day which can be increased to 80 mg once daily after a week duration.
� The dose in patients with moderate-to-severe liver disease should not be more than 40 mg once a day.

How should Valbenazine be taken?

� Valbenazine is available in capsule form which should be taken by mouth either with or without regard to the timing of food intake.
� The capsule of valbenazine should be taken around the same time every day.

What are the warnings and precautions for Valbenazine?

� Jobs requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating heavy machinery should not be performed as valbenazine can induce drowsiness.
� Valbenazine may prolong the QT interval of the heart and thus affect the rhythm of the heart beats.

What are the side effects of Valbenazine?

Common: Dizziness, headache, constipation, poor coordination, dry mouth, restlessness, vision disturbances
Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting
Cardiovascular: Irregular heartbeat or heart rhythm
Central nervous system: Sleepiness, fatigue, drooling, anxiety, balance disorders or inability to stand still
Respiratory: Shortness of breath, respiratory tract infections
Others: Raised blood glucose level, weight gain

What are the other precautions for Valbenazine?

� Breastfeeding mothers should not feed their baby while on treatment with valbenazine or until 5 days after the last dose of valbenazine.
� Take valbenazine capsules exactly as advised by the physician and do not double the dose to make up the missed dose.
� In case of overdose, provide the patient with adequate supportive care and monitor patient parameters with close medical supervision.
� Do not allow or recommend someone to take valbenazine capsules without a prescription even if they have same symptoms.

What are the Drug Interactions of Valbenazine?

� The combined use of the monoamine oxidase inhibitor drugs such as selegiline, phenelzine and isocarboxazid along with valbenazine increases the risk of serotonin syndrome.
� The dose of valbenazine should be reduced while prescribing drugs like clarithromycin and anti-fungal drugs such as itraconazole or ketoconazole to avoid serious side effects. These drugs can reduce the breakdown of valbenazine and therefore increase its blood level. Valbenazine should also be avoided or its dosage should be reduced with other drugs that can have a similar effect like quinidine, paroxetine, fluoxetine.
� The serum concentration of digoxin is increased when taken with valbenazine and therefore this combination should be avoided.
� Drugs which can reduce the blood levels and effect of valbenazine include rifampin, phenytoin, carbamazepine and St. John's Wort.

What are the storage conditions for Valbenazine?

� Store at a room temperature between 20�C to 25�C.
� Keep away from the reach of children.
� Protect from excess heat and moisture.