Understanding HD Chorea

Chorea (Kor-EE-ya) is a common symptom of Huntington's disease (HD).⁴ Chorea is characterized by irregular, abrupt movements of the face, fingers, arms, legs, or body that can appear as constant jerky, twisting, and uncontrollable, dance-like motions.^1,2 An individual with chorea may seem clumsy and may stumble or appear uncoordinated.¹ These problems may get worse when the person is anxious.¹

Chorea may develop early or later in the course of the disease and may also range in severity.¹ Involuntary movements may make it difficult to do even the simplest things, like button a shirt, use a remote control, or walk normally.³

As chorea progresses, it may interfere with all voluntary movements, making it more difficult to walk, talk, eat, hold things or control one's bladder.³ Be sure to discuss all chorea-related issues that you or your loved one are facing with your loved-one's doctor.

Sources:

Huntington's Disease: Hope Through Research. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/huntington/detail_huntington.htm
Chorea, Huntington's Disease. The Movement Disorder Society. http://www.movementdisorders.org/disorders/chorea.php
Kirkwood SC, Su JL, Conneally PM, Foroud T. Progression of symptoms in the early and middle stages of Huntington disease. Archives of Neurology 2001;58:273-278.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Chorea information page http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/chorea/chorea.htm

XENAZINE® (tetrabenazine) Tablets

Indications and Usage:

Xenazine is a medicine that is used to treat the involuntary movements (chorea) of Huntington’s disease. Xenazine does 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.

It is not known whether Xenazine is safe and effective in children.

Important Safety Information:

Xenazine can cause serious side effects, including:
- depression
- suicidal thoughts
- suicidal actions
You should not start taking Xenazine 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 Xenazine is started and when the dose is changed.

Do not take Xenazine if you have liver problems or are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors or reserpine. At least 20 days should pass after stopping reserpine before starting Xenazine. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breast-feeding or have breast cancer.

The need for therapy should be evaluated on an ongoing basis with your doctor. The dose of Xenazine should be adjusted slowly over several weeks for a dose that is appropriate for you. If your doctor thinks you need to take more than 50 mg of Xenazine each day, you will need to have a blood test to see if Xenazine is safe for you.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), restlessness, agitation, parkinsonism (slight shaking, body stiffness, trouble moving or keeping your balance), trouble swallowing, dizziness, and irregular heartbeat have also been reported with use of Xenazine. Do not use Xenazine with drugs known to cause irregular heart beat. Side effects associated with Xenazine, such as irregular heartbeat, NMS, and parkinsonism, may be increased if used together with drugs called dopamine antagonists. Uncontrolled movements called tardive dyskinesia (TD) may develop in patients treated with Xenazine. It is possible that the TD will not go away.

Xenazine may cause sleepiness or drowsiness, and may affect the ability to drive or use dangerous machinery. Some side effects, such as depression, tiredness, trouble sleeping, sleepiness/drowsiness, parkinsonism, and restlessness, may be dose-dependent. If the side effects don’t stop or lessen, your doctor should consider lowering the dose or stopping your Xenazine. The most commonly reported side effects in studies with Xenazine were sleepiness/drowsiness, tiredness, trouble sleeping, depression, restlessness, anxiety, and nausea.

For more information, please see the Xenazine Medication Guide and Full Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning.

Xenazine® is a registered trademark of Biovail Laboratories International (Barbados) SRL