Why is this medication prescribed?

Valbenazine is a medication used to treat tardive dyskinesia, which is a neurological disorder characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements, usually involving the face, tongue, and other parts of the body. Tardive dyskinesia is often a side effect of long-term use of certain psychiatric medications, such as antipsychotics. Valbenazine works by modulating the levels of a neurotransmitter called dopamine in the brain, which is thought to be involved in the development of tardive dyskinesia.

How should this medicine be used?

When prescribed, Valbenazine is typically taken orally, and the dosage may vary depending on the individual’s specific condition and response to the medication. It’s important to follow the doctor’s instructions and the prescribed dosage exactly. The medication is usually taken once daily, with or without food.

Here are some general guidelines for using Valbenazine:

• Dosage: Take the medication as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not change the dosage without consulting your doctor.
• Timing: Valbenazine is usually taken once daily. Try to take it at the same time each day to maintain a consistent level of the medication in your body.
• Follow-up: Attend all follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider. They may adjust your dosage based on your response to the medication and any side effects you may experience.
• Missed Dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double up on doses to make up for a missed one.
• Side Effects: Be aware of potential side effects and contact your healthcare provider if you experience anything unusual or severe. Common side effects may include sleepiness, tiredness, and diarrhea.
• Precautions: Inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal supplements. Some medications may interact with Valbenazine.

Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and information based on your specific health condition. They can provide guidance on the appropriate use of Valbenazine and monitor your response to the medication.

Other uses for this medicine

Valbenazine is primarily used for the treatment of tardive dyskinesia, and its use for other conditions is not well-established. It’s important to note that medications should be prescribed by healthcare professionals based on a thorough assessment of an individual’s specific health situation.

What special precautions should I follow?

As for special precautions when using Valbenazine, here are some key considerations:

• Inform Your Healthcare Provider: Before starting Valbenazine, make sure to inform your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and herbal supplements. This is crucial to avoid potential drug interactions.
• Medical History: Provide your doctor with a comprehensive medical history, especially if you have a history of certain conditions, such as liver problems or heart rhythm abnormalities.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss this with your healthcare provider. The potential risks and benefits of taking Valbenazine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding should be carefully evaluated.
• Allergies: Inform your healthcare provider about any known allergies or hypersensitivities to medications, including Valbenazine.
• Drowsiness and Impaired Judgment: Valbenazine may cause drowsiness and affect your ability to think or react quickly. Avoid activities that require mental alertness, such as driving or operating heavy machinery, until you know how the medication affects you.
• Alcohol and Sedatives: Combining Valbenazine with alcohol or other medications that cause sedation may increase the risk of drowsiness. Consult your healthcare provider regarding the use of alcohol or other sedating substances while taking Valbenazine.
• Monitoring: Regularly attend follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor your response to Valbenazine and to discuss any potential side effects or concerns.
• Dietary Considerations: Valbenazine can be taken with or without food. However, it’s a good idea to discuss your specific dietary habits with your healthcare provider to ensure there are no interactions that could affect the absorption or effectiveness of the medication.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and guidance for the use of Valbenazine. If you have any concerns or experience unusual side effects, contact your healthcare provider promptly. Individual responses to medications can vary, so it’s essential to maintain open communication with your healthcare team throughout the treatment process.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Valbenazine can be taken with or without food. While there are no specific dietary restrictions associated with Valbenazine, it’s always a good idea to discuss your dietary habits and any concerns with your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice based on your individual health status and medication regimen.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you forget to take a dose of Valbenazine, follow these general guidelines:

• Timing: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it’s close to the time for your next scheduled dose.
• Skip If Close to Next Dose: If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule.
• Do Not Double Up: Do not double up on doses to make up for a missed one, as this can increase the risk of side effects.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Valbenazine, like any medication, can cause side effects. Not everyone will experience these side effects, and their severity can vary from person to person. It’s important to discuss potential side effects with your healthcare provider before starting Valbenazine, and to report any unusual or severe symptoms promptly. Common side effects of Valbenazine include:

• Sleepiness: Some individuals may experience increased drowsiness or fatigue while taking Valbenazine.
• Akathisia: This refers to a feeling of inner restlessness and an inability to sit still. It can be a side effect of certain medications affecting dopamine levels.
• Headache: Headaches are a common side effect reported by some individuals taking Valbenazine.
• Nausea: Some people may experience nausea as a side effect of the medication.
• Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or having low energy levels can occur in some individuals.
• Insomnia: While sleepiness is a common side effect, paradoxically, some individuals may experience difficulty sleeping.
• Diarrhea: Gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea, have been reported by some users.
• Anxiety: In some cases, individuals may experience increased anxiety.

It’s important to note that not everyone will experience these side effects, and some people may not experience any at all. Additionally, some side effects may improve with continued use of the medication as your body adjusts.

Serious side effects are rare but can occur. If you experience any unusual or severe symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately. This includes signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing.

This list is not exhaustive, and the information provided here is for general informational purposes. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and information based on your specific health condition and medical history.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and Disposal of Valbenazine:

• Storage: Keep Valbenazine in its original packaging, and store it at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze the medication.
• Keep Out of Reach of Children: Store Valbenazine in a location that is out of reach of children and pets.
• Disposal: Dispose of unused or expired medication properly according to local regulations. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless specifically instructed to do so. Check with your pharmacist or local waste disposal facility for guidance on how to dispose of medications safely.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of an overdose or emergency, contact your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical attention immediately. Overdose symptoms may include severe drowsiness, dizziness, or fainting.

What other information should I know?

• Follow Healthcare Provider’s Instructions: Take Valbenazine exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without consulting your healthcare provider.
• Regular Follow-Up: Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider. Regular monitoring is important to assess the effectiveness of the medication and address any potential side effects or concerns.
• Inform Healthcare Provider: Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking, including prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal supplements. This is important to avoid potential drug interactions.
• Avoid Alcohol: Limit or avoid alcohol while taking Valbenazine, as it may increase the risk of drowsiness and other side effects.
• Inform Other Healthcare Providers: If you are scheduled for surgery or any medical procedures, inform other healthcare providers that you are taking Valbenazine.
• Drowsiness: Valbenazine may cause drowsiness. Avoid activities that require mental alertness, such as driving or operating heavy machinery, until you know how the medication affects you.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss the potential risks and benefits of Valbenazine with your healthcare provider.
• Allergic Reactions: If you experience signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention promptly.

This information is a general overview, and individual circumstances may vary. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice based on your specific health condition and medical history.