Ajuben

Deutetrabenazine is a vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) inhibitor indicated for the treatment of-

• Chorea associated with Huntington’s disease
• Tardive dyskinesia in adults.

The precise mechanism by which deutetrabenazine exerts its anti-chorea effects is unknown but is believed to be related to its effect as a reversible depletor of monoamines (such as dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, and histamine) from nerve terminals. The major circulating metabolites (α-dihydrotetrabenazine and β-dihydrotetrabenazine) of deutetrabenazine, are reversible inhibitors of vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2), resulting in decreased uptake of monoamines into synaptic vesicles and depletion of monoamine stores.

Concomitant use of strong CYP2D6 inhibitors: Maximum recommended dose of deutetrabenazine is 36 mg per day (18 mg twice daily) and alcohol or other sedating drugs- may have additive sedation and somnolence.

Most common adverse reactions (>8%) of deutetrabenzine’s are somnolence, diarrhea, dry mouth, and fatigue.

There are no adequate data on the developmental risk associated with the use of deutetrabenazine in pregnant women. There are no data on the presence of deutetrabenazine or its metabolites in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects of the drug on milk production.

Patients may experience Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (discontinue deutetrabenazine if this occurs), Akathisia, agitation, restlessness, and Parkinsonism (reduce the daily dose of deutetrabenazine or discontinue if this occurs) and Sedation/somnolence.

Use in Children: Safety & effectiveness of deutetrabenzine in infants & children have not been established.

Patients with Hepatic & Renal Impairment: No clinical studies have been conducted to assess the effect of renal & hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of deutetrabenazine.

Patients with poor CYP2D6 metabolizers: Maximum recommended dosage of deutetrabenazine in poor CYP2D6 metabolizers is 36 mg per day (i.e., 18 mg twice daily)