FDA approves Ingrezza to treat tardive dyskinesia

Ingrezza (valbenazine) has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of tardive dyskinesia in adults.

Tardive dyskinesia is a neurological disorder exhibited through involuntary movements of the jaw, lips and tongue, though individuals sometimes experience involuntary movements of extremities. The condition is a side effect of medication with antipsychotics for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, as well as depression and gastrointestinal disorders. Not all individuals who have received these types of medications will develop the disorder, however, which still perplexes health care professionals.

The FDA's approval of Ingrezza was given to Neurocrine Biosciences, and was based on a clinical trial of 234 individuals, in which those who were given the medication responded significantly in comparison to those given the placebo.

Though the medication has received approval, it has side effects of sleepiness and heart rhythm issues. Additionally, those with congenital long QT syndrome or abnormal heartbeats should not take Ingrezza. Those who work with heavy machinery or work in other perilous situations are dissuaded from taking Ingrezza.