Uses
What is Ingrezza used for?
Ingrezza is commonly used for the following conditions.
- Chorea, which is a movement disorder that is associated with Huntington’s disease
- Tardive dyskinesia (TD), which is a movement disorder
Ingrezza may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does Ingrezza work (mechanism of action)?
Ingrezza is a vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) inhibitor that works to change the activity of certain chemicals in the brain that affect muscles, nerves, and movement. This causes less uncontrolled movements.
Learn more about How Ingrezza Works for Tardive Dyskinesia and Chorea.
How is Ingrezza supplied (dosage forms)?
Ingrezza and Ingrezza Sprinkle are available in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.
- 40 mg oral capsules
- 60 mg oral capsules
- 80 mg oral capsules
How should I store Ingrezza?
Ingrezza should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place, away from moisture.
If you are taking the Ingrezza titration kit, do not remove tablets from blister packs until ready to take.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Ingrezza?
The most common side effects of Ingrezza are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Sleepiness and tiredness (see below)
- Hives or rash (Chorea)
- Trouble sleeping (Chorea)
Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
There may be other side effects of Ingrezza that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of Ingrezza?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Ingrezza are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Ingrezza may cause allergic reactions, including angioedema, which can be serious. Stop taking Ingrezza and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Suicidal Thoughts and Actions. Ingrezza may cause suicidal thoughts or actions in people with Huntington’s disease. If you are about to harm yourself, call 911 or call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.
- New or increased thoughts of suicide or death
- Suicide attempt
- New or increased feelings of anxiety, depression, or other unusual changes in mood or behavior
- Sleep a lot less or a lot more than usual
- Feel more or less hungry or notice a big change in your weight
Sleepiness and Tiredness. Ingrezza can make you drowsy or sleepy. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how Ingrezza affects you.
Heart Rhythm Changes. Ingrezza may cause a rare, dangerous heart rhythm problem called QT prolongation. Some people have a higher risk of this, including people who are older, have other people in their family who have had these conditions, have low potassium or magnesium levels, or who take some medicines for other heart rhythm problems. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you faint, become dizzy, have shortness of breath, or changes in your heart rate or rhythm, such as a fast or skipping heartbeat.
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS). Ingrezza can cause a rare but serious condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Stop taking Ingrezza and call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.
- High fever
- Muscle stiffness or rigidity, where it is hard to move
- Changes in your breathing or heart rate
- Increased sweating
- Confusion
Parkinson-like Symptoms. Ingrezza may cause involuntary movement problems, including shakiness, stiffness, or jerkiness. It can also cause drooling, falling, walking problems, or balance problems. These are called Parkinson-like symptoms. Call your healthcare provider right away if you develop any Parkinson-like symptoms.
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use Ingrezza?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Ingrezza.
- Ingrezza
- Valbenazine
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Ingrezza.
What should I know about Ingrezza before using it?
Do not take Ingrezza unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share Ingrezza with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep Ingrezza out of the reach of children.
In Huntington’s disease, Ingrezza does not cure the cause of uncontrolled movements or treat other symptoms, such as problems with thinking or emotions.
Do not crush or chew the medicine. Swallow the capsules whole. Follow the Instructions For Use on how to take Ingrezza Sprinkle. Ingrezza sprinkle capsules may be opened and sprinkled on a tablespoonful of soft food such as applesauce. Swallow the soft food without chewing, and drink a glass of water to make sure all of the medicine is swallowed. Do not open Ingrezza Sprinkle capsules and add the granules to milk or water.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Ingrezza?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Ingrezza is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.
- A history of mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, psychosis, or have had suicidal thoughts/suicidal attempts
- Liver problems
- Heart problems including heart failure or recent heart attack
- Irregular heart rhythm or heartbeat
Other Medicines and Supplements. Ingrezza may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Ingrezza, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Pregnancy. Ingrezza may harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. Do not take Ingrezza while you are breastfeeding and for 5 days after your final dose. It is not known if Ingrezza can pass into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
How can I get more information about Ingrezza?
For more information about Ingrezza, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.ingrezza.com or call them at 844-647-3992.
Interactions
Does Ingrezza interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between Ingrezza and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Ingrezza. The risk of sleepiness may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking Ingrezza.
Does Ingrezza interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking Ingrezza.
- A monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within the past 2 weeks, which is a medicine usually used for depression or Parkinson’s disease
- Digoxin (Lanoxin), which is a medicine used to treat irregular heartbeat and some types of heart failure
- Any other medicine that causes dizziness and sleepiness, such as prescription pain medicines, sleep medicines, and medicines for anxiety
Many other medicines may alter the blood levels of Ingrezza. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Ingrezza. Always check with your healthcare provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Ingrezza?
If you or someone else has used too much Ingrezza, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Ingrezza?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.