Ingrezza, with the generic name valbenazine, is a prescription medication primarily used to treat movement disorders in adults. It belongs to a class of medicines called vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) inhibitors and works by regulating dopamine activity in the brain to help control involuntary movements.
What Conditions Does Ingrezza Treat?
Ingrezza is approved to treat two main conditions:
Tardive dyskinesia (TD): This disorder causes uncontrollable, repetitive movements, often affecting the face, jaw, tongue, or lips, but can also affect other body parts. TD is usually a side effect of long-term use of certain psychiatric medications like haloperidol, risperidone, or olanzapine.
Chorea associated with Huntington's disease: Huntington's disease is a genetic disorder causing degeneration of nerve cells in the brain; chorea refers to sudden, jerky, involuntary movements often described as dance-like or fidgeting.
How Does Ingrezza Work?
Ingrezza inhibits VMAT2, a transporter protein involved in the packaging and release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine. By inhibiting VMAT2, Ingrezza reduces abnormal dopamine signaling that is thought to contribute to symptoms of TD and chorea, helping decrease involuntary movements.
Dosage Forms and Administration
Ingrezza is available as capsules and sprinkle capsules in doses of 40 mg, 60 mg, and 80 mg. The sprinkle capsules can be opened and sprinkled on soft food like applesauce or yogurt for easier swallowing.
The usual starting dose is 40 mg once daily, which may be increased to 80 mg after one week depending on response and tolerability.
The medication can be taken with or without food and should be stored at room temperature away from moisture.
Important Considerations
Patients with moderate to severe liver impairment or known poor metabolism of the CYP2D6 enzyme may require dose adjustments to 40 mg daily.
Ingrezza helps manage symptoms but does not cure the underlying disorders
How Ingrezza Helps Control Involuntary Movements
Clinical studies and patient cases indicate that many people maintain symptom improvements with continued Ingrezza use over months to years. Long-term data shows sustained control of movements and high patient satisfaction, supporting Ingrezza’s role as a chronic treatment option for TD and chorea.
How Ingrezza Supports Care Partners
Family and caregivers of those with TD often notice an improvement in patients’ quality of life after starting Ingrezza. Reduced involuntary movements can lead to easier communication, improved self-feeding ability, and greater participation in daily activities, which benefits both patients and their support network.
Important Considerations in Treatment Planning
Prescribers typically assess each adult patient’s medical history and current medications before initiating Ingrezza to optimize dosing. Adjustments may be necessary for individuals with liver impairment or specific genetic factors affecting drug metabolism to ensure safety and efficacy.
Ongoing Research and Developments
Research continues into Ingrezza’s effects and potential new indications. Studies exploring its long-term safety profile and real-world outcomes help inform best practices for managing neuropsychiatric movement disorders.
Understanding the Mechanism of Action
As one of the first FDA-approved VMAT2 inhibitors, Ingrezza represents a significant advancement in managing movement disorders. Its targeted action offers an alternative to older treatments that often carried more systemic side effects, contributing to a paradigm shift in therapeutic strategies. Ingrezza acts by selectively inhibiting VMAT2, a protein responsible for transporting neurotransmitters like dopamine into nerve cell vesicles. This modulation helps balance dopamine levels in the brain, which is crucial because dopamine dysregulation contributes to involuntary movements in tardive dyskinesia and Huntington’s chorea.
Common Questions About Ingrezza
Patients and caregivers often ask about Ingrezza’s effects timeline, side effects, and impact on daily life. Generally, improvements may be seen within several weeks, although full benefits might take longer. Side effects are usually mild to moderate, allowing many to continue treatment comfortably.
Combining Ingrezza With Other Treatments
Ingrezza is part of comprehensive care plans that may include physical therapy, counseling, and lifestyle adjustments. Coordination with neurologists and psychiatrists ensures personalized treatment for optimal symptom management and patient quality of life.
The Importance of Adherence and Monitoring
Consistent medication adherence and regular follow-ups with healthcare providers are key to managing symptoms effectively with Ingrezza. Monitoring aids in detecting any side effects early and adjusting therapy as needed, ensuring safe long-term use.
Patient Eligibility for Ingrezza
Ingrezza is prescribed only for adults diagnosed with tardive dyskinesia or Huntington’s chorea symptoms. It is not intended for children or for off-label uses outside these indications. Proper diagnosis by specialists ensures appropriate patient selection for best outcomes.
Ingrezza and Mental Health Interactions
Since the neurotransmitter dopamine also affects mood and cognition, patients taking Ingrezza should be monitored for mental health changes. Although generally well-tolerated, some may experience mood swings or increased depression risk, necessitating ongoing psychiatric evaluation.
Insurance and Access Considerations
The cost of Ingrezza can be substantial, but many insurance plans provide coverage with prior authorization. Patient assistance programs may also be available to help reduce financial burden, improving access for eligible patients.