Ajuben 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.
Initial dose: 12 mg/day Maintenance dose: 12 mg-48 mg/day Maximum dose: 48 mg/day Titrate up at weekly intervals by 6 mg per day to a tolerated dose that reduces chorea, up to a maximum recommended daily dosage of 48 mg (24 mg twice daily). Administer total daily dosages of 12 mg or above in two divided doses and administer with foods. Patients receiving Tetrabenazine : If switching patients from tetrabenazine, discontinue tetrabenazine and initiate deutetrabenazine the following day. The recommended initial dosing regimen of deutetrabenazine in patients switching from tetrabenazine to deutetrabenazine is shown in below chert: Current Tetrabenazine daily dosage Initial regimen of Deutetrabenazine 12.5 mg 6 mg once daily 25 mg 6 mg once daily 37.5 mg 9 mg once daily 50 mg 12 mg once daily 62.5 mg 15 mg once daily 75 mg 18 mg once daily 87.5 mg 21 mg once daily 100 mg 24 mg once daily After patients are switched to deutetrabenazine, the dose may be adjusted at weekly intervals.
Always consult a registered doctor before taking any medicine. This information is for general knowledge only.
Most common adverse reactions (>8%) of deutetrabenzine’s are somnolence, diarrhea, dry mouth, and fatigue.
Deutetrabenazine is contraindicated in patients with Suicidal, or untreated/inadequately treated depression, Hepatic impairment and in patients Taking MAOIs, reserpine, or tetrabenazine.
Concomitant use of strong CYP2D6 inhibitors: Maximum recommended dose of Ajuben is 36 mg per day (18 mg twice daily) and alcohol or other sedating drugs- may have additive sedation and somnolence.
Patients may experience Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (discontinue Ajuben if this occurs), Akathisia, agitation, restlessness, and Parkinsonism (reduce the daily dose of Ajuben or discontinue if this occurs) and Sedation/somnolence.