What are the most common side effects of Austedo?
The most common side effects of Austedo seen in people with chorea are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Drowsiness
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Tiredness
The most common side effects of Austedo seen in people with tardive dyskinesia are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Infection in the nose or throat, sore throat, or common cold symptoms
- Trouble sleeping
There may be other side effects of Austedo that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of Austedo?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Austedo are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Austedo may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Austedo and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Suicidal Thoughts and Actions. Austedo may cause suicidal thoughts or actions in a small number of people with Huntington’s disease. If you are about to harm yourself, call 911 or call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.
- New or increased thoughts of suicide or death
- Suicide attempt
- New or increased feelings of anxiety, depression, or other unusual changes in mood or behavior
- Feel sad, unimportant, guilty, hopeless or helpless, irritable, angry, aggressive, sleepy, or tired
- Crying spells or trouble paying attention
- Lost interest in seeing your friends or doing things you used to enjoy
- Sleep a lot less or a lot more than usual
- Feel more or less hungry or notice a big change in your weight
- Thoughts about hurting yourself
Heart Rhythm Changes. Austedo may cause a rare, dangerous heart rhythm problem called QT prolongation and torsade de pointes. Some people have a higher risk of this, including people who are older, have other people in their family who have had these conditions, have low potassium or magnesium levels, or who take some medicines for other heart rhythm problems. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you faint or have changes in your heart rate or rhythm, such as a fast or skipping heartbeat.
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) may develop while taking Austedo, which could affect your nervous system and may also lead to death. Call your healthcare provider right away or go to the nearest emergency room if you experience any of the following serious symptoms.
- Fever
- Confusion
- Change in pulse, heart rate, heart rhythm, or blood pressure
- Muscle stiffness
- Increased sweating
Restlessness. Austedo may cause restlessness, a condition that makes it hard to sit still (akathisia), and agitation. Call your healthcare provider if you develop any of these symptoms.
Movement Problems. Austedo can cause slow movements, falls, slight shaking, body stiffness, trouble moving, and trouble keeping your balance. Call your healthcare provider right away if you develop any unusual or uncontrolled movements.
Sleepiness. Austedo can make you sleepy. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how Austedo affects you.
High Prolactin Level (Hyperprolactinemia). Austedo may cause an increased level of the hormone prolactin in your blood. Increased levels of prolactin could lead to fertility or bone problems. Contact your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms.
- Vaginal dryness
- Irregular or no periods
- Production of breastmilk when not pregnant or nursing
- Inability to get or keep an erection
- Enlarged breast size (gynecomastia)
- Decreased muscle and body hair
Tissue Buildup. Austedo can build up in certain tissues of your body, including your skin and eyes. Keep all appointments with your healthcare provider.
