Is Austedo affected by genetics?

Yes — the active ingredient is metabolized by a gene known to vary between individuals.

Relevant genes: CYP2D6

Austedo is affected by pharmacogenetics through the CYP2D6 gene. Your genotype for this gene can change how your body processes Austedo, which can affect both how well it works and how well you tolerate it. The strongest evidence level on this page is Strong, based on CPIC or FDA guidelines.

What's in Austedo

deutetrabenazine affected by CYP2D6

Affected by CYP2D6 · FDA · Strong evidence

Read the full deutetrabenazine genetics guide →

Deutetrabenazine phenotype recommendations

Published guidance from FDA on how deutetrabenazine should be dosed or substituted based on your CYP2D6 phenotype.

Phenotype	What it means	Recommendation	Evidence
Ultrarapid Metabolizer CYP2D6	Your body processes deutetrabenazine faster than normal. The standard dose should work as expected.	FDA Initiate therapy with recommended starting dose.	—
Normal Metabolizer CYP2D6	Your body processes deutetrabenazine at a normal rate. The standard dose should work as expected.	FDA Initiate therapy with recommended starting dose.	—
Intermediate Metabolizer CYP2D6	Your body breaks down deutetrabenazine slightly slower than normal. The standard dose should work as expected.	FDA Initiate therapy with recommended starting dose.	—
Poor Metabolizer CYP2D6	Your body breaks down deutetrabenazine much more slowly than normal, causing the drug to build up and raising the risk of heart rhythm problems. A lower maximum dose is recommended.	FDA Do not exceed a total daily dose of 36 mg (maximum single dose of 18 mg) due to risk of QT prolongation.	Strong
Indeterminate CYP2D6	The impact of your genotype on response to this drug is unknown	FDA Initiate therapy with recommended starting dose.	—
Not available CYP2D6	The impact of your genotype on response to this drug is unknown	FDA Initiate therapy with recommended starting dose.	—

Source: FDA

The gene behind the guidance

CYP2D6 Cytochrome P450 2D6

CYP2D6 is the most clinically important pharmacogene. It metabolizes around a quarter of all prescription drugs, including many antidepressants, opioids, and stimulants. The gene is unusually variable: roughly 7 percent of people are poor metabolizers (they barely activate CYP2D6), and another 1 to 3 percent are ultrarapid metabolizers (their enzyme is overactive).

For most CYP2D6 drugs, poor metabolizers feel stronger effects and more side effects at standard doses, while ultrarapid metabolizers may feel almost nothing. For prodrugs like codeine, the relationship flips: poor metabolizers feel less effect because they can't activate the drug.

See all drugs affected by CYP2D6 →

Browse the full drug-class: Movement disorder medications.

Related medications

Find out how your genetics affect Austedo

This page describes the general pharmacogenetics. A Gene2Rx report analyzes your own DNA to tell you which metabolizer group you fall into, across every medication.

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Informational only — not medical advice. Pharmacogenetic guidance describes population-level patterns; your individual response depends on many factors. Never start, stop, or change a medication without talking to your prescribing clinician.