Program Description
Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a neurological hyperkinetic movement disorder characterized by involuntary movements, often caused by long-term use of dopamine receptor-blocking medications such as antipsychotics or antidepressants. Reversible vesicular monoamine transporter-2 (VMAT-2) inhibitors, including deutetrabenazine and valbenazine, are recommended as first-line treatments. Management of TD remains challenging, as prevention is not always possible and recognition is often delayed due to its insidious onset and overlap with underlying movement disorders. Patients over the age of 55 years are at increased risk due to polypharmacy, age-related physiological changes, and sensitivity to adverse effects of agents such as benzodiazepines and anticholinergics. TD carries clinical, economic, and psychosocial burdens, leading to increased health care utilization and a profound impact on quality of life. Long-term care and consultant pharmacists play a critical role in early recognition, evaluation of medication regimens, management of adverse effects, and improvement of the quality of life in patients at high risk for or living with TD. This activity will review the ongoing challenges in managing TD, the evolving treatment landscape with VMAT-2 inhibitors, and the vital role of pharmacists in optimizing education, adherence, and outcomes. Greater understanding of TD will enable pharmacists to improve early treatment initiation, reduce patient burden, and support effective long-term therapy.
Target
audience: Consultant Pharmacist, Specialty Pharmacist
Type of
activity: Application
Release date: October 31, 2025
Expiration date: October 31, 2026
Time to complete activity: 1.0 hours
Learner level: Foundational,
Intermediate
Fee: Free
Educational Objectives
At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:
- Determine the unmet needs, challenges, and burdens of tardive dyskinesia (TD) and the impact of early recognition for minimizing the effects of TD
- Examine the professional guidelines, supporting data, and mechanism of action of the VMAT-2 inhibitors for treating TD
- Explore pharmacist interventions to improve patient education and adherence to medications in order to maximize the patient outcomes of those with TD
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