for HD Chorea in Adults

Register for updates

MENU

Living with HD chorea

Own more of your day with
more than 2x movement reduction1,2*

Take charge of Huntington’s disease (HD) chorea by planning ahead to make symptom progression more manageable.

*4.4-point improvement in people taking AUSTEDO vs 1.9 in people taking placebo based on Total Maximal Chorea (TMC) score. The TMC score is used to measure HD chorea movements in the face, mouth, trunk, both arms, and both legs.2,3

Assembling your
HD chorea care team4-6

Ask your primary care doctor and/or neurologist to refer you to other healthcare professionals who can help manage the various symptoms of Huntington’s disease. A strong healthcare support network for HD chorea may include a/an:

  • Physical therapist to assist in improving strength, mobility, balance, and function
  • Occupational therapist to suggest methods that may improve your ability to perform everyday tasks
  • Speech pathologist to address difficulties with speaking and communication
  • Nutritionist or dietitian to assist with diet, fluctuations in weight, and swallowing problems
  • Psychiatrist or psychologist who can treat mental health conditions associated with HD, such as depression
  • Therapist or counselor who can help everyone in your HD family manage stress and intense emotions

Treat now. Own more movements.

Start the conversation with your doctor about treating
HD chorea with AUSTEDO XR (deutetrabenazine)
extended-release tablets.

Get started

Making your home HD chorea friendly

People with HD chorea may have difficulty with everyday activities such as eating, drinking, getting dressed, and maintaining personal hygiene. Small adjustments throughout the home can improve safety and help lessen the impact HD chorea has on day-to-day tasks.4,5

In the kitchen4:

  • Use durable plates, bowls, and non-stemmed glassware
  • Use utensils with large handles
  • Use nonskid placemats to prevent dishes from moving

In the bathroom4,7:

  • Place a nonskid mat in the shower or bathtub
  • Get a chair or bench for use in the shower
  • Consider using an electronic toothbrush
  • Install safety bars in the shower and by the toilet
  • Avoid using bar soap as it’s slippery and easy to drop

In the living room and bedroom4,8:

  • Remove rugs or thick carpets to avoid tripping
  • Ensure chairs have armrests and high backs
  • Eliminate unnecessary furniture and ensure rooms are well-lit

Tips for healthy eating9,10

The involuntary movements of HD chorea may burn a considerable amount of calories—which may lead to a struggle to maintain a healthy weight. Incorporating nutrient-
rich, calorie-dense foods may be beneficial to those with HD chorea.

Add healthy fats:

Avocados; smooth (not chunky) nut
butters such as peanut, almond, or cashew; and sesame tahini make great additions to any meal. Walnut, flax seed, avocado, and olive oils are also sources of healthy fats.

Create a healthy
eating environment:

Schedule mealtimes, keep conversations simple, and remove distractions such as the TV or radio. Allow plenty of time for those with HD chorea to finish their meals.

Choose colorful foods:

Red fruits and vegetables like tomatoes,
watermelon, and pink grapefruit contain heart-healthy lycopene that may reduce inflammation.

Purple fruits such as blackberries, grapes, and
prunes contain anthocyanin, an antioxidant that may
support heart health.

Orange foods such as carrots, mangoes, and sweet potatoes are rich in carotenoids, which may support immunity.

Green vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and
brussels sprouts contain isothiocyanates, which
may boost liver function.

Stay in the know

Sign up for HD chorea treatment tips, information about patient support,
and educational resources.

Sign up now
​​

Approved Uses

AUSTEDO® XR (deutetrabenazine) extended-release tablets and AUSTEDO® (deutetrabenazine) tablets are prescription medicines that are used to treat:

  • the involuntary movements (chorea) of Huntington’s disease. AUSTEDO XR and AUSTEDO do not cure the cause of the involuntary movements, and it does not treat other symptoms of Huntington’s disease, such as problems with thinking or emotions.
  • movements in the face, tongue, or other body parts that cannot be controlled (tardive dyskinesia).

It is not known if AUSTEDO XR and AUSTEDO are safe and effective in children.

Important Safety Information

AUSTEDO XR and AUSTEDO can cause serious side effects in people with Huntington’s disease, including: depression, suicidal thoughts, or suicidal actions. Do not start taking AUSTEDO XR or AUSTEDO if you are depressed (have untreated depression or depression that is not well controlled by medicine) or have suicidal thoughts. Pay close attention to any changes, especially sudden changes, in mood, behaviors, thoughts or feelings. This is especially important when AUSTEDO XR or AUSTEDO is started and when the dose is changed. Call your healthcare provider right away if you become depressed, have unusual changes in mood or behavior, or have thoughts of suicide.

Do not take AUSTEDO XR or AUSTEDO if you:

  • have Huntington’s disease and are depressed or have thoughts of suicide.
  • have liver problems.
  • are taking reserpine. Do not take medicines that contain reserpine with AUSTEDO XR or AUSTEDO. If your healthcare provider plans to switch you from taking reserpine to AUSTEDO XR or AUSTEDO, you must wait at least 20 days after your last dose of reserpine before you start taking AUSTEDO XR or AUSTEDO.
  • are taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) medicine. Do not take an MAOI within 14 days after you stop taking AUSTEDO XR or AUSTEDO. Do not start AUSTEDO XR or AUSTEDO if you stopped taking an MAOI in the last 14 days. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you are not sure.
  • are taking tetrabenazine. If your healthcare provider plans to switch you from tetrabenazine to AUSTEDO XR or AUSTEDO, take your first dose of AUSTEDO XR or AUSTEDO on the day after your last dose of tetrabenazine.
  • are taking valbenazine.

Other possible serious side effects include:

  • Irregular heartbeat (QT prolongation). AUSTEDO XR and AUSTEDO increases your chance of having certain changes in the electrical activity in your heart. These changes can lead to a dangerous abnormal heartbeat. Taking AUSTEDO XR or AUSTEDO with certain medicines may increase this chance.
  • Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome. Call your healthcare provider right away and go to the nearest emergency room if you develop these signs and symptoms that do not have another obvious cause: high fever, stiff muscles, problems thinking, very fast or uneven heartbeat, or increased sweating.
  • Restlessness. You may get a condition where you feel a strong urge to move. This is called akathisia.
  • Parkinsonism. Symptoms include: slight shaking, body stiffness, trouble moving, trouble keeping your balance, or falls.

Sleepiness (sedation) is a common side effect of AUSTEDO XR and AUSTEDO. While taking AUSTEDO XR or AUSTEDO, do not drive a car or operate dangerous machinery until you know how AUSTEDO XR or AUSTEDO affects you. Drinking alcohol and taking other drugs that may also cause sleepiness while you are taking AUSTEDO XR or AUSTEDO may increase any sleepiness caused by AUSTEDO XR and AUSTEDO.

The most common side effects of AUSTEDO in people with Huntington’s disease include sleepiness (sedation), diarrhea, tiredness, and dry mouth.

The most common side effects of AUSTEDO in people with tardive dyskinesia include inflammation of the nose and throat (nasopharyngitis) and problems sleeping (insomnia).

The most common side effects of AUSTEDO XR are expected to be similar to AUSTEDO in people with Huntington’s disease or tardive dyskinesia.

These are not all the possible side effects of AUSTEDO XR or AUSTEDO. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You are encouraged to report side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please read the accompanying Medication Guide.

 
back to top

References:

1. Overview of Huntington’s Disease. Huntington’s Disease Society of America. Accessed February 28, 2023. https://hdsa.org/what-is-hd/overview-of-huntingtons-disease

2. AUSTEDO® XR (deutetrabenazine) extended-release tablets/AUSTEDO® tablets current Prescribing Information. Parsippany, NJ: Teva Neuroscience, Inc.

3. Data on file. Parsippany, NJ: Teva Neuroscience, Inc.

4. Frank SA, Tarapata K, Murray CF, et al; A Caregiver's Guide to Huntington's Disease. Huntington's Disease Society of America; 2011. Accessed February 27, 2023.

5. Nance MA, Paulsen JS, Rosenblatt A, Wheelock V. A Physician's Guide to the Management of Huntington’s Disease. 3rd ed. Huntington Society of Canada; 2013. Accessed February 28, 2023. https://www.huntingtonsociety.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/PhysGuide2013_WebsiteCopy_Reduced1.pdf

6. A Caregiver Guide for HD Families. Huntington’s Disease Society of America; 2016. Accessed February 27, 2023. http://hdsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/HDSA_CaregiverGuideFamilies_Final.pdf

7. Bathing & Grooming. Parkinson's Foundation. Accessed February 28, 2023. https://www.parkinson.org/living-with-parkinsons/management/activities-daily-living/bathing-grooming

8. Home Safety. Parkinson's Foundation. Accessed February 28, 2023. https://www.parkinson.org/living-with-parkinsons/management/activities-daily-living/home-safety

9. Gaba A, Tarapata K, Lovecky D. Nutrition and Huntington’s Disease: a Guide for Families. Huntington’s Disease Society of America; 2010. Accessed February 27, 2023. https://hdsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/11695.pdf

10. Schaeffer J. Color me healthy — eating for a rainbow of benefits. Today’s Dietitian. 2008;10(11):34.