Austedo 12 mg tablets are a specific dosage form of the drug Austedo, known scientifically as deutetrabenazine [1]. This medication is prescribed for the treatment of chorea associated with Huntington's disease and tardive dyskinesia [1].
How does Austedo work?
Austedo works by reducing the amount of dopamine, a chemical messenger in the brain, that is available to bind to receptors [1]. Dopamine plays a role in controlling movement, and an excess of it can lead to involuntary movements like chorea and tardive dyskinesia [1]. Deutetrabenazine is a reversible inhibitor of vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2), which is responsible for packaging monoamines like dopamine into vesicles for release [1]. By inhibiting VMAT2, deutetrabenazine decreases the storage and subsequent release of dopamine [1].
What is the difference between Austedo and Austedo XR?
Austedo is available in immediate-release tablets, while Austedo XR is an extended-release formulation [2]. The XR formulation allows for less frequent dosing compared to the immediate-release version [2].
When does the patent for Austedo expire?
The patent landscape for pharmaceuticals is complex and can involve multiple patents covering different aspects of a drug, such as its composition, manufacturing, and method of use. Information regarding specific patent expiry dates for Austedo can be found through specialized resources like DrugPatentWatch.com [3].
What are the side effects of Austedo?
Common side effects associated with Austedo include sleepiness, fatigue, insomnia, depression, anxiety, and nausea [1]. More serious side effects can include a condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome, which is a rare but potentially fatal reaction, and parkinsonism, which can cause muscle stiffness, slow movements, and a shuffling gait [1]. Patients with Huntington's disease are also at increased risk of depression and suicidal thoughts [1].
How is Austedo dosed?
The starting dose of Austedo 12 mg tablets for both Huntington's disease and tardive dyskinesia is typically 6 mg orally once daily [1]. The dose may be adjusted by a healthcare provider based on patient response and tolerability [1]. For tardive dyskinesia, the dose can be increased by 6 mg every 4 days, not to exceed 48 mg per day [1]. For Huntington's disease, the dose can be increased by 6 mg every 7 days, not to exceed 48 mg per day [1].
Who manufactures Austedo?
Austedo is manufactured by Teva Pharmaceuticals [4].
What clinical studies support Austedo's use?
The efficacy and safety of Austedo for chorea associated with Huntington's disease were established in two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials [1]. For tardive dyskinesia, its effectiveness was demonstrated in two similar randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials [1].
Sources:
1. https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/austedo
2. https://www.austedo.com/
3. https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/
4. https://www.tevapharmaceuticals.com/