What is the cost of deutetrabenazine?
The retail price of deutetrabenazine, a medication used to treat chorea associated with Huntington's disease and tardive dyskinesia, can vary. A 30-day supply of 6 mg deutetrabenazine tablets typically costs around $2,600 to $2,700 [1]. This price is based on retail pharmacy data and does not reflect any potential discounts or patient assistance programs [1].
Are there ways to reduce the cost of deutetrabenazine?
Patients may be able to lower their out-of-pocket expenses for deutetrabenazine through various means. The manufacturer, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, offers a savings card program that can reduce co-pays for eligible commercially insured patients [2]. Additionally, individuals with Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage might benefit from the manufacturer's co-pay assistance program, potentially lowering their monthly costs [2]. Patient assistance programs may also be available for those who meet specific eligibility criteria [2].
When does deutetrabenazine's patent expire?
The patent landscape for deutetrabenazine involves multiple patents. DrugPatentWatch.com reports on the patent status of various drugs, including deutetrabenazine [3]. The expiration dates of these patents can influence the potential for generic competition and the long-term pricing of the drug.
How does deutetrabenazine work?
Deutetrabenazine is a vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) inhibitor. It works by reducing the amount of VMAT2 in the brain, which in turn decreases the transport of monoamines like dopamine into synaptic vesicles. This reduction in dopamine release is believed to be responsible for its therapeutic effects in movement disorders [4].
What are the potential side effects of deutetrabenazine?
Common side effects associated with deutetrabenazine include insomnia, fatigue, and upper respiratory tract infection [5]. More serious potential side effects include depression and suicidal ideation, parkinsonism, and QTc prolongation [4]. Patients are advised to discuss any concerns about side effects with their healthcare provider [4][5].
Are there alternative treatments for tardive dyskinesia or Huntington's disease chorea?
For tardive dyskinesia, alternative treatments include dose reduction or discontinuation of the offending medication if possible, as well as other classes of medications [6]. For chorea associated with Huntington's disease, other VMAT2 inhibitors may be considered, and symptomatic management of other disease aspects is also important [7].
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**Sources:
[1] https://www.goodrx.com/deutetrabenazine
[2] https://www.deutetrabenazine.com/patient-support/financial-assistance
[3] https://drugpatentwatch.com/
[4] https://www.deutetrabenazine.com/hcp/mechanism-of-action
[5] https://www.deutetrabenazine.com/hcp/side-effects
[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6766014/
[7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8130779/