For an ailment that certainly requires more than symptomatic treatment, adding another drug will do in cure for the side effects of medication. This is what Ingrezza (valbenazine) promises to deliver to patients suffering from tardive dyskinesia (TD), the types of which are usually drug-induced due to the consumption of medicines for mental illness.
But if that were true, then it begs the question: what exactly does that entail concerning the broader picture of associated consequences and whether other options remain available, perhaps even better? We will discuss the advertisement of this drug on tardive dyskinesia and what that means to the individuals having to live with it.
What exactly is tardive dyskinesia?
Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is typically defined as an abnormal neurological disorder wherein a person suffers uncontrolled involuntary movement of the limbs or face parts with concomitant rapid eye blinking, grimace-like facial expressions, and tongue-thrusting as well, and for those medications developed primarily are antipsychotics administered largely in psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder, or depression.
Unfortunately, patients can be left with tardive dyskinesia for life, which may persist despite stopping the medication that should have caused it. Thus, it is important to understand early detection. If you have taken any medications, which may develop the potential for causing TD, contacting a healthcare provider should be done at the first symptom onset.
Have an Awesome Gaze Inside the Advertisement for Ingrezza
In a recent ad of Ingrezza, it featured a young guy whose treatment condition has apparently made him better, and he can be found strolling during a sidewalk sale. He still experiences the effects of TD. In one scene, lighting focused on his hands while fumbling and dropping a camera, embarrassed by the movements from his so-called “treatment.” An ad then shifts to a woman still struggling with her wilful indiscretion because of involuntary blinking and grimacing. Because of this, she feels “as though I am always under the spotlight.”
But then it turned a corner. The two-men and woman are seen in friendly gatherings, joined with others while smiling, although their “social” interactions have been significantly improved after taking Ingrezza. The message is loud and clear: Ingrezza is the integral number one treatment of TD in adults, then one pill, once a day” improves symptoms for almost seven out of ten patients, according to 4. And, indicates, people on Ingrezza could continue taking their mental health medications without worry.
In as much as this ad likely gives hope to those afflicted with TD, it is only part of the narrative beyond which the commercial speaks.
Ingrezza’s Side Effects–Ironic
But it becomes more complicated. The medicines in mental health treatment also have their side effects, and Ingrezza is one such medicine that may have its own effects. The advertisement carried these two: common and serious side effects of Ingrezza:
Sleepiness (the most common symptom)
Decreased level of spirits with possible suicidal thoughts or actions
Changes in heart rhythm
Allergenic reactions; may also be life-threatening
Muscle stiffness, fever, or cognitive problems that could be lethal as well
Abnormal movements (ironically, a possible side effect of a drug meant to deal with such involuntary motions)
Indeed, you read correctly-abnormal movements are a possible side effect of a drug meant to relieve such abnormal movements. This poses a various query taking into account that the people with TD already have distressing symptoms; adding the possibly dangerous ones may not be the appropriate answer.
The Ad is Right Concerning the Following
This Ingrezza advertisement notwithstanding the negatives has done a few things right:
Highlighting TD – The ad successfully illustrates how TD disorganises lives by bringing stress, embarrassment, and difficulty of functioning and yet provides hope since treatment is available and indeed makes symptoms a lot better.
Straight Forward Dosing – The ad has taken an added perspective from Ingrezza concerning the once-daily dosing regimen as different from other medications requiring more frequent administration.
Clinical Support – As referenced in the ad, the studies show that Ingrezza offers improvement in symptoms for very many patients. While the story is not so clear, the fact that the drug comes with evidence from clinical research is something significant.
Listing Side Effects – The above ad mentions cautionary statements concerning serious side effects as mandated by the FDA, thus empowering consumers to make informed choices.
What’s Missing From the Ad?
The advertisement has a lot to offer but not everything. There is some valuable knowledge that it fails to bring across and is central to much of the patient’s and even doctor’s decision-making in the informed choice.
What Drugs Are Associated With TD?
The advertisement omits any mention of which drugs could be linked with TD, which primarily seem to be antipsychotic drugs in the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder; however, other medications also listed with possible links include:
Haloperidol (Haldol).
Fluphenazine (Prolixin).
Risperidone (Risperdal).
Olanzapine (Zyprexa).
On the other hand, metoclopramide (Reglan) and prochlorperazine (Compazine), two nonpsychotic medications indicated for nausea and other gastrointestinal problems, are also offenders in the development of TD after prolonged use. Therefore, knowing all medications that cause TD is key to its prevention and management.
Is It Possible To Reverse TD?
The ad simply glosses over the fact that TD could be irreversible. Early intervention might decrease or entirely reverse symptoms, but the longer TD remains untreated, the more difficult it may be to treat. So, even more, reason for patients to be proactive and approach the discussion with their healthcare provider about their symptoms, especially if they notice some new involuntary movements.
- Effectiveness and Cost of Ingrezza
The commercial states that 70% of patients feel better, but doesn’t say how much better. The most recent critique of the clinical research shows that from a hallmark study, on the first six weeks with Ingrezza, only 24% of people were free from minimal symptoms, while 67% registered moderate sums of improvements.
The price is never mentioned either. But at around $8,700, Ingrezza is fairly expensive. There is also a financial aid program, but there are no details given in the advertisement to enlighten the viewer about possible costs and coverage. - Alternatives for Treating TD
There are no alternatives for TD were given in this ad. Other Tardive Dyskinesia treatments include:
Deutetrabenazine (Austedo) or Tetrabenazine (Xenazine), which may be less expensive and associated with a lower incidence of side effects.
Botulinum toxin injections (Botox) can alleviate the excessive muscle activity underlying the involuntary movements.
Deep brain stimulation, for electrical stimulation in selected regions of the brain to interfere with the nerve signaling.
Some of these alternatives could be better options or more suitable for an individual if discussed with that person’s health care provider.
The Bottom Line: Risks versus Benefits
In the end, the choice of providing treatment with Ingrezza for TD (or any other medication) comes down to weighing risks and benefits. Adding yet another medication to treat a side effect usually does not sound good but, for patients with few other options, that is sometimes a choice worth making. Always ask your health care provider about all possible treatment options, including effectiveness, side effects, and cost. Sometimes, the best treatment is the one that solves a problem at hand while enhancing quality of life in ways that make risks seem tolerable.
