New injectables are coming for almost every type of antipsychotic out there. I believe they are starting new sz exclusively on these injectables because they improve compliance and lower the number of psych ward visits. That is fine and wonderful. But the drugs are more expensive and those of you who are working would be inconvenienced if you did not have a choice to take the pill form. Personally although I do not work I prefer the pills because I have been compliant for a while and am concerned about a ton of medicine being in my blood vessels. But the last time I got my paliperidone the 6 mg pills were on back order and the pharmacists had some difficulty scrabbling together enough 3 mg pills to refill the prescription. It could have been due to the weather but it also may be that they are beginning to not make the generic pills any more as well and so far the pharmacy has not been able to ensure me it will be there next month. I am prepared to take the injectable if that happens but I am concerned for those who are not on disability and work in this country and future relatives in my family with this terrible disorder that they’ll be put on disability right off the bat and never be able to get off like I have been and that the med prices will never get low enough to make it otherwise. I hope that this issue is addressed in my country because not all schizophrenics who take meds are incapable of working and although the disability system has improved in recent years it is still very constricting to our aspirations in life.
I don’t think this is a real risk. Injectables cost more than pills, so docs usually try pills first. I was diagnosed in 2013 and was given pills.
I recently completed a study of a generic version version of Invega, administered in a monthly shot. I did extremely well and was able to complete the study successfully.
When talking to one of the psychiatrists, he explained the advantages of taking a long-lasting shot. When taking an oral dose, each time that particular med is ingested, the med spikes a little and then dips before the next dose is taken. Although with regular use of oral pills as prescribed, the body will maintain a certain blood level of medication, these peaks and dips can contribute to unwanted side-effects.
With a longer-lasting injection, the overall level of medication in your system is more regulated and consistent over time. The meds are released in a way that ensures a more consistant blood level over the period of time between shots. There are no missed doses, accidental higher doses, and the small inconsistencies that may be present when taking a dose or doses each day. It seems to me that even taking the meds at different times may slightly affect a person, but I’m not sure.
I did seem to get a little weird towards the end of the month, about a week before the next shot. So maybe all of this can be taken with a grain of salt. But overall, i didn’t have any problem with the shots.
There’s one thing i left out of my post. My state’s insurance started exclusively covering injectables and rejecting the pills last year. I had to get a special exception to get the pills. The nurse at my pdoc tried to get me to take the injectable. It is a threat at least in my state because as of last year it became policy. I hope that’s not the case elsewhere.
Did the injected medication last longer?
Invega Sustenna, the kind they want me to take is supposed to last 30 days which is the same as the pills. A much more expensive injection of Invega Trinza lasts 90 days but i doubt they cover that.
I’m med compliant. I take haldol.
OK I see the good people who make Invega Sustenna have made a liar out of me for commercially and privately insured patients. It’s only $10 a shot. I can’t find the price for those not as lucky but it used to be over $2,000 without Medicaid coverage. I don’t know what Obamacare charges but I don’t see that lasting much longer (you never know but I’d say it’s under siege.) Risperdal Consta is $450 to $500 and the injection of haldol (yes one exists) is “only” near $300. Maybe my fears are a bit overblown in a way. I imagine Elyn Saks could afford it probably, But I’m not sure about a schizophrenic who flunked college, or just went to high school. It’s not as bad as it used to look as those prices are down from where they were when I last checked.
I got court-ordered for the Abilify injection…I was really pissed at first but now I think it DOES help me think better with the psychotic symptoms and makes me more willing to take my oral Seroquel. I think it has helped overall…
Here’s what will likely be my final argument in a NY Times article from August of last year.
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/06/.../prescription-drugs-brand-name-generic.html
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