- Chronic Care
Austedo
Austedo (deutetrabenazine) prescription available online
If you suffer from Huntington's disease or tardive dyskinesia, Austedo can help. Request a new prescription or refill of Austedo from a board-certified doctor online.*
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Treats involuntary movements associated with Huntington's disease
Available as a capsule or tablet
Request Austedo in as little as 15 minutes, with or without insurance*
*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor’s discretion. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and how you can save up to 80% with our prescription discount card.
About Austedo
Austedo is a vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) inhibitor, which reduces the amount of certain natural substances in the body.
Austedo treats chorea (involuntary movements) associated with Huntington's disease and tardive dyskinesia (TD). Austedo is available only by prescription. It is available in a generic formulation under different brand names, including deutetrabenazine.
Austedo may be prescribed as a capsule or tablet. It’s always important to follow the specific instructions on your prescription, as they can vary based on the formulation and dosage prescribed.
If you're prescribed Austedo, complete the entire course of the VMAT2 inhibitor unless your healthcare provider specifically tells you to stop. The VMAT2 inhibitor may not fully treat your involuntary muscle movements if you don't complete your prescription.
Austedo uses
There are several FDA-approved uses for Austedo, but it may also be used off-label to treat other conditions. Your online healthcare professional may prescribe it for the following reasons.
It’s also possible that healthcare professionals may prescribe it for other reasons not listed here. Ask your online doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about why a medication is prescribed.
Huntington's disease
Austedo is FDA-approved to treat chorea (involuntary movements) associated with Huntington's disease. Chorea is a movement disorder that causes unpredictable, involuntary muscle movements in people with Huntington's disease.
Tardive dyskinesia
Austedo is FDA-approved to treat tardive dyskinesia in adults. Austedo helps decrease involuntary movements in the face, tongue, or other body parts.
Austedo side effects
The side effects associated with taking Austedo are typically mild. Most Austedo side effects are associated with tiredness.
Austedo has some common side effects. The side effects of Austedo may include:
Drowsiness and fatigue
Runny nose or sore throat
Problems sleeping, such as insomnia
Other side effects, which are less common but might be more severe, could include:Fast, irregular heartbeat (QT prolongation)
Severe restlessness or agitation
Stiff muscles
Tell your doctor if you notice adverse effects, or if you develop any other new or concerning symptoms. It is not known whether Austedo is safe and effective in children under the age of 18.
How to take Austedo
Your pharmacist will provide you with instructions on how to take your Austedo prescription. Be sure to read your prescription label and follow the instructions. Call your doctor or pharmacy if you have any questions.
Austedo can come in different forms and doses, so be sure to follow the specific instructions on your prescription. For people with Huntington's disease and tardive dyskinesia, the starting dose of deutetrabenazine is typically 6 mg once daily taken with food and a whole glass of water.
What to avoid while taking Austedo
Austedo has 432 drug interactions. Don’t change what you take without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. That includes other prescription drugs or supplements, as well as other drugs.
Possible drug interactions with Austedo include:
Serpalan (reserpine)
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, and rasagiline
Opioid medication, muscle relaxers, and other medications may cause drowsiness
Drinking alcohol while taking Austedo may increase your risk of side effects, such as dizziness, confusion, and drowsiness. Ask your doctor for medical advice before drinking alcohol.
Only operate dangerous machinery or drive once you know how Austedo affects you. Severe drowsiness can cause falls and other accidents.
In rare cases, Austedo can cause a dangerous abnormal heartbeat or neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Your risk may be higher if you take certain prescription drugs for infections, high blood pressure, or mental health.
Medication alternatives to Austedo
If your healthcare provider prefers to put you on another treatment altogether, they may suggest another VMAT2 inhibitor or antipsychotic medicine in another drug class. Here are some common doctor-recommended alternatives based on your health issue:
Huntington's disease
Xenazine (tetrabenazine)
Risperdal (risperidone)
Haldol (haloperidol)
Thorazine (chlorpromazine)
Tardive dyskinesia
Ingrezza (valbenazine)
Xenazine (tetrabenazine)
Austedo prescription FAQs
How much does Austedo cost?
Depending on your pharmacy, Austedo costs around $4,664 for sixty 6 mg tablets without insurance. Fortunately, generic brands, such as deutetrabenazine, offer an affordable alternative.
How can I refill my Austedo prescription?
To refill your Austedo prescription, book a virtual appointment with a board-certified PlushCare doctor. After reviewing your symptoms and medical history, your doctor can send an electronic prescription to your local pharmacy.
Who should not take Austedo?
Avoid taking Austedo if you have certain medical conditions, such as:
Uncontrolled depression or suicidal thoughts
Liver disease or liver problems
A mental health disorder or psychosis
Breast cancer
A heart rhythm disorder
What is the difference between Ingrezza and Austedo?
Both Ingrezza and Austedo are VMAT2 inhibitors used to treat tardive dyskinesia. Unlike Ingrezza, Austedo can also treat chorea associated with Huntington's disease.
How long does it take for Austedo to work?
Most people with Huntington's disease and tardive dyskinesia notice improvements in involuntary movements within two weeks of starting Austedo.
Do you have to taper off Austedo?
Yes, you should taper off Austedo. Do not stop taking Austedo without your doctor's advice.
What happens if I miss a dose of Austedo?
If you miss a dose of Austedo, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it's almost time for your next dose. Avoid taking two doses to make up for a missed dose.
What happens if I take too much Austedo?
If you've taken too much Austedo, visit the nearest emergency room or contact your local poison control center. Overdose symptoms may include stiff muscles, severe drowsiness, and diarrhea.
3 simple steps to request your Austedo prescription today
Step 1
Book an Austedo prescription request appointment.
Book a same day appointment from anywhere.
Step 2
Talk to your medical provider regarding your Austedo prescription.
Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
Step 3
Pick up your Austedo prescription.
We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.
Austedo prescription pricing details
How pricing works
To get a new or refill on your Austedo prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.
Paying with insurance
Membership
$14.99/month
First month free
First visit
Copay
For all visits
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price with insurance
Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!
- We accept these insurance plans and many more:
Paying without insurance
Membership
$14.99/month
First month free
First visit
$129
Repeats only $99
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price without insurance
Initial visits are $129 and follow-ups are only $99 for active members.
If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.
Austedo prescription resources
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information
Cleveland Clinic. Deutetrabenazine tablets. Accessed on October 21, 2022. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/19599-deutetrabenazine-tablets
Food and Drug Administration. Austedo prescription label. Accessed on October 21, 2022. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/208082s000lbl.pdf
National Alliance on Mental Illness. Deutetrabenazine (Austedo). Accessed on October 21, 2022. https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Treatments/Mental-Health-Medications/Types-of-Medication/Deutetrabenazine-(Austedo)