Xenazine (Tetrabenazine)

Description

Xenazine (tetrabenazine) is an oral medication prescribed to treat chorea associated with Huntington’s disease.

Xenazine is available in 12.5 mg non-scored and 25 mg scored tablets.

Directions

Xenazine should be taken as prescribed. Your doctor will determine an appropriate Xenazine dosage for you.

Carefully read the medication guide for further usage instructions.

Store Xenazine tablets at 77ºF (25ºC).

Any questions or concerns may be referred to your doctor or pharmacist.

Ingredients

Tetrabenazine is the active ingredient in Xenazine.

Refer to the product label for a full list of ingredients.

Contraindications

Do not use Xenazine if you:

• Are actively suicidal or you have untreated or undertreated depression
• Have liver impairment
• Are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors or reserpine
• Are taking deutetrabenazine or valbenazine

Cautions

• Before you begin treatment with Xenazine, tell your doctor about:
• All the medications you take, including prescription and nonprescription medications
• Your allergies
• Your current health conditions
• Your past medical history
• Your status of pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Xenazine has the following Boxed Warning:
• Patients with Huntington’s disease have an increased risk of depression and suicidal thoughts and behavior (suicidality) with Xenazine use.
• When considering the use of Xenazine, the risks of depression and suicidality should be balanced with the clinical need for chorea control.
• Patients should be monitored for the emergence or worsening of unusual behavior changes, suicidality, or depression.
• Patients, families, and caregivers should be informed of the risk of depression and suicidality and instructed to immediately report concerning behaviors to the treating physician.
• Caution should be used in patients with a history of depression or previous suicide attempts or ideation.
• Xenazine should not be used in patients who are actively suicidal or in patients with depression that is untreated or not adequately treated.
• Xenazine is associated with the following warnings and precautions:
• The benefits of treatment should be periodically reevaluated, as well as the potential for adverse effects, including worsening mood, cognition, rigidity, and ability to function.
• Do not take more than 50 mg per day, and do not take more than 25 mg single dose if you are also taking a strong CYP2D6 inhibitor such as fluoxetine or paroxetine.
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
• Restlessness, agitation, movement disorder, and parkinsonism
• Sedation or drowsiness; refrain from driving, operating machinery, or participating in other potentially hazardous activities until you know how the medication affects you
• QTc prolongation

Side Effects

Xenazine side effects may include but are not limited to sedation/drowsiness, fatigue, sleep problems, depression, movement disorder, anxiety, and nausea.

Immediately inform your doctor of any bothersome or persistent side effects you experience while taking Xenazine.

Searching for a competitive Xenazine cost? Here, you can buy Xenazine with a valid prescription from your doctor.

Reference

1. Xenazine. Deerfield, IL: Lundbeck; 2019.

About Dr. Savannah Muncy (Page Author)

Dr. Muncy (PharmD) studied science and education as an undergraduate before attending the Appalachian College of Pharmacy where she completed her PharmD in three years. She is currently using her pharmacy and healthcare expertise to write medical content for clients all around the world. She is focused on delivering the most current, accurate, and engaging information to healthcare professionals and patients. Read More....