In the realm of mental health treatment, medications play a crucial role in managing various psychiatric conditions. One such medication that has gained recognition in recent years is Latuda. Marketed as a treatment for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, Latuda operates through a unique mechanism that distinguishes it from other antipsychotic medications.
In this blog, we’ll delve into the intricacies of how Latuda works, shedding light on its pharmacological actions, generic Latuda, why is Latuda so Expensive, costing of Latuda with and without insurance.
How does Latuda work?
Latuda (Lurasidone) belongs to a class of medications known as atypical antipsychotics. It was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2010 for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults and in 2013 for bipolar depression in adults.
Latuda’s mechanism of action involves its interactions with dopamine and serotonin receptors in the brain. Unlike some older antipsychotics that primarily block dopamine receptors, Latuda acts as a dopamine D2 receptor antagonist, meaning it blocks the activity of dopamine at certain receptor sites.
By doing so, it helps to normalize dopamine signaling in the brain, alleviating symptoms of psychosis associated with schizophrenia. This mechanism of action makes the question a bit legit: Why is Latuda so Expensive?
Moreover, Latuda also acts as a serotonin receptor antagonist, particularly in the 5-HT2A receptor subtype. By modulating serotonin activity, Latuda contributes to its mood-stabilizing effects, making it an effective treatment for bipolar depression. As it is so important to treat mental disorders, let’s take a look at why is Lurasidone so expensive.
Latuda for bipolar depression, anxiety, mood stabilizers, and weight gain:
Bipolar depression is part of a more significant condition called bipolar disorder. Specifically, the “lows” that you may be feeling during those moments of hopelessness are the possible symptoms of the depressive moments associated with bipolar disorder. Bipolar depression is a lifelong condition that creates unusual mood changes that vary in length and severity. You can go from feeling revved up and euphoric to feeling down and hopeless.
Latuda isn’t used for anxiety, and as a matter of fact, it is a side effect of the medicine.
“Treatment with lurasidone significantly improves depressive symptoms in patients with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder with subthreshold hypomania. Modest but significant improvements in sexual function are also seen. Lurasidone treatment did not appear to be associated with treatment-emergent adverse effects on the sexual function when compared with placebo,” the researchers concluded.4
In addition, it has demonstrated effectiveness in treating bipolar depression with minimal adverse effects and a low metabolic risk profile. Its low affinity for acetylcholine and histamine receptors produces a minimal risk of cognitive deficits and weight gain.
Latuda is thought to work in schizophrenia and bipolar depression by adjusting levels of brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) known as dopamine and serotonin to improve your thinking, feelings mood, and behavior. Latuda is approved to be used in grouping with the mood stabilizers lithium (Lithobid) or valproate (Depakote) in adults to manage bipolar depression.
Latuda Side Effects:
Some of the Latuda Side Effects include:
- Dizziness and light-headedness
- Nausea
- Gaining weight
- Mask-like facial expression
- Severe drop in blood pressure
- Drooling/trouble swallowing
- Seizures
- Interrupted breathing during sleep.
- Rarely, this medication may cause face or muscle twitching, a blood sugar rise, and a rise in your blood fat levels (cholesterol and triglycerides).
How much does Latuda cost with and without insurance?
The cost of Latuda (Lurasidone) can vary significantly depending on factors such as dosage strength, pharmacy location, insurance coverage, and whether generic alternatives are available. Moreover, these factors affect the question: Why is Latuda so expensive?
Here’s a general overview of the cost of Latuda with and without insurance:
- Latuda Cost With Insurance: For individuals with health insurance coverage that includes prescription drug benefits, the out-of-pocket cost for Latuda is typically determined by the insurance plan’s formulary and the individual’s specific coverage details. Some insurance plans may require prior authorization before they cover Latuda, especially if it’s not included in their formulary or if they consider it a non-preferred medication. If an insurance plan has a deductible, individuals may need to pay the full cost of Latuda until the deductible is met, after which the insurance coverage kicks in, reducing the out-of-pocket expense.
- Latuda Cost Without Insurance: The retail price of Latuda without insurance can be quite high. The average wholesale price (AWP) for a 30-day supply of Latuda 20mg ranged from around $1,100 to $1,300. Hence, Why is Latuda so Expensive is made clear. The generic versions of Latuda are now available. Their introduction to the market can potentially lower the cost of Latuda for those without insurance coverage.
Speaking with healthcare professionals about financial problems can also frequently result in the provision of alternate pharmaceutical options or help navigating the healthcare system to access treatment at a reasonable cost. The popular choice is to purchase drugs online at much-reduced prices from e-pharmacy businesses, thereby saving a significant amount of money. Latuda is available for purchase online from LifeRx Pharmacy.
When will generic Latuda be available?
The generic Latuda is available now. One can buy the generic versions of Latuda from LifeRx Pharmacy. This will help in effective cost-cutting and causing huge holes in wallets.
There is recent news from February 2023 that the generic Latuda is now available to patients in the United States, hence creating a sigh of relief from the dreaded query: Why is Latuda so expensive?
Why is Latuda so expensive?
The high cost of Latuda and other prescription medications can be attributed to several factors within the pharmaceutical industry and healthcare system. Here are some reasons why is Latuda so expensive:
- Pharmaceutical companies invest significant resources in research and development (R&D) to bring new medications like Latuda to market. This includes funding clinical trials, conducting research, and obtaining regulatory approval from agencies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The costs associated with R&D are often passed on to consumers through the pricing of medications.
- Brand-name medications like Latuda are often protected by patents that grant the manufacturer exclusive rights to produce and sell the drug for a certain period, typically 20 years from the date of patent filing. During this time, the manufacturer can set the price of the medication at a level that maximizes profitability, without competition from generic alternatives.
- While generic versions of many medications eventually enter the market after patent expiration, the introduction of generic alternatives may be delayed due to legal challenges, patent settlements, or manufacturing issues. As a result, brand-name medications like Latuda may face limited competition, allowing the manufacturer to maintain higher prices.
- The pharmaceutical supply chain is complex, involving multiple intermediaries such as wholesalers, distributors, pharmacies, and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). Each entity may add markup or fees to the price of medications as they pass through the supply chain, contributing to the overall cost of drugs like Latuda.
- Pharmaceutical companies often invest heavily in marketing and promotion to promote their brand-name medications, including direct-to-consumer advertising, physician detailing, and promotional materials. These marketing expenses are factored into the pricing of medications and can contribute to higher costs for consumers.
- The manufacturing process for pharmaceuticals can be complex and requires adherence to strict quality standards and regulatory requirements. Additionally, some medications may require specialized technologies or facilities, which can increase manufacturing costs and, subsequently, the price of the final product. These pointers help to identify, Why is Latuda so expensive.
FAQs:
Does Latuda cause weight gain?
Weight gain is a potential side effect associated with Latuda, although it tends to be less common compared to some other antipsychotic medications. However, individual responses to medications can vary, and some people may experience weight gain while taking Latuda.
How long does it take for Latuda to work?
The onset of action of Latuda (Lurasidone) can vary from person to person and depends on several factors, including the individual’s unique physiology, the severity of symptoms, and the specific condition being treated. Generally, it may take several weeks for Latuda to exert its full therapeutic effects.
Why can’t you cut Latuda in half?
Latuda is a medication that comes in the form of tablets, and it’s important to follow the instructions provided by healthcare providers and the medication label regarding how to take it. Cutting or splitting Latuda tablets is not recommended because of the special coating, hampering dose accuracy, risk of accidents when cutting, and loss of medicine.
How long does Latuda stay in your system?
The elimination half-life of Latuda (Lurasidone) is approximately 18 hours. This means that it takes about 18 hours for the concentration of Latuda in the bloodstream to decrease by half after a dose is taken. Hence, it would take around 90 hours (or approximately 3.75 days) for Latuda to be eliminated from the body after discontinuation.
Can you overdose on Latuda?
Yes, it is possible to overdose on Latuda (Lurasidone). An overdose occurs when someone takes a larger amount of a medication than is recommended or prescribed, leading to potentially harmful effects.
References:
- El-Mallakh RS, Ghaemi SN. Bipolar Depression: A Comprehensive Guide. American Psychiatric Publishing; 2007
- https://www.healio.com/news/psychiatry/20160413/latuda-improves-depression-sexual-functioning-in-depression-with-mixed-features
- https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/latuda-mood-stabilizer-antipsychotic-3547934/
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