Side Effects of Austedo: Common, Mild, and Potential Severe Reactions
Austedo, a brand-name drug, is used to treat tardive dyskinesia and chorea caused by Huntington's disease in adults. However, it's essential to be aware of the potential long-term side effects and precautions before taking this medication.
The long-term side effects of Austedo include weight gain, drug-induced parkinsonism, depression and suicidal thoughts, QT interval prolongation, and other neurological and cardiac effects.
Weight gain is a concern, with up to 9.7% of patients reporting weight increase during long-term use. Some Huntington's patients showed a slight BMI increase compared to placebo.
Austedo can also cause reversible symptoms mimicking Parkinson's disease, especially in Huntington's disease or tardive dyskinesia patients. Mood changes, including depression, suicidal ideation, and anxiety, are also potential risks, more concerning in Huntington's disease patients with untreated or uncontrolled depression.
The drug may prolong the QT interval, increasing the risk of cardiac arrhythmias. Neurological side effects, such as anxiety, irritability, dizziness, dysarthria, gait problems, and rare but serious events like neuroleptic malignant syndrome, may also occur.
It's crucial to monitor your health closely during treatment with Austedo. If you experience any mood changes, including anxiety, difficulty concentrating, feeling irritable, difficulty sleeping, feelings of worry that you can't manage, or feeling restless, tell your doctor right away.
Sleepiness was one of the most common side effects reported by people taking Austedo for chorea in clinical trials. Insomnia was reported in people taking Austedo for either tardive dyskinesia or chorea related to Huntington's disease.
If you develop any severe side effects, such as swelling or difficulty breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away.
Before taking Austedo, it's important to discuss your health history with your doctor. The drug may not be the right treatment for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health.
Austedo is available as an oral tablet and an extended-release (ER) oral tablet called Austedo XR.
Remember, this article provides an overview of the potential long-term side effects and precautions of Austedo. For more detailed information, consult your healthcare provider or refer to the drug's FAQs.
[1] Long-term safety and tolerability of deutetrabenazine in patients with Huntington's disease: a pooled analysis of data from 52-week open-label extensions of two phase 3 studies
[2] Efficacy and safety of deutetrabenazine in patients with tardive dyskinesia: a pooled analysis of data from three phase 3 studies
[3] FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA warns about increased risk of depression and suicidal thoughts with Austedo (deutetrabenazine) for the treatment of chorea associated with Huntington's disease
[4] Tetrabenazine: an overview of its pharmacology, chemistry, and clinical efficacy in the treatment of chorea and other movement disorders
- Austedo, designed to treat tardive dyskinesia and chorea caused by Huntington's disease, carries potential long-term side effects like weight gain, drug-induced parkinsonism, depression, and suicidal thoughts, QT interval prolongation, and other neurological and cardiac effects.
- In long-term use, up to 9.7% of patients may experience weight gain, with some Huntington's patients showing a slight BMI increase compared to placebo.
- Austedo can induce reversible symptoms mimicking Parkinson's disease, particularly in Huntington's disease or tardive dyskinesia patients.
- Mood changes, including depression, suicidal ideation, and anxiety, are potential risks, more concerning in Huntington's disease patients with untreated or uncontrolled depression.
- The drug may prolong the QT interval, increasing the risk of cardiac arrhythmias and other neurological side effects like anxiety, irritability, dizziness, dysarthria, gait problems, and neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
- It's crucial to monitor your health closely during treatment with Austedo, and report any mood changes, including anxiety, difficulty concentrating, feelings of irritability, difficulty sleeping, feelings of worry that you can't manage, or feeling restless to your doctor.
- Sleepiness is one of the most common side effects reported by people taking Austedo for chorea in clinical trials, while insomnia was reported in people taking Austedo for either tardive dyskinesia or chorea related to Huntington's disease.
- Before taking Austedo, discuss your health history with your doctor, as the drug may not be suitable if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health.
