Although you may have heard a lot about schizophrenia, you may not have ever met somebody who suffers from it. This is because less than 1% of Americans have schizophrenia, a severe and exceedingly rare mental health disorder.
Schizophrenia patients show signs including hallucinations, delusions, abnormal speech or thinking, and emotional disengagement. Although there is currently no cure for this ailment, it can be managed to some extent with a drug and therapy regimen.
The class of drugs known as antipsychotics is the one that is recommended for schizophrenia patients. These drugs come in a variety of dosage forms, such as pills, liquids, and injections that last a long time.
Hafyera, which the FDA designated as the longest-lasting antipsychotic in September 2021, is the most recent advancement in these drugs.
Invega Hafyera
An antipsychotic injectable called Invega Hafyera needs to be given twice a year. After using it successfully for at least four months, the FDA approved it as being useful in treating adults with schizophrenia.
How Does the Treatment for Schizophrenia Work?
It is an atypical antipsychotic that functions by obstructing the brain regions where the dopamine and serotonin chemicals connect. These two hormones are known to contribute to the symptoms of schizophrenia, even though the treatment for it is not entirely understood.
Dosage
Since Hafyera is a gluteal injection, a medical practitioner should give it to your muscles or buttocks. It comes in two concentrations and is administered every six months: 1,560 mg/5 mL and 1,092 mg/3.5 mL
What’s Hafyera’s Efficacy?
Hafyera is a viable medicine alternative to taking tablets daily because it just needs to be taken twice a year. It also lasts a long time. Since it avoids relapse, which can be quite dangerous in several ways, the antipsychotic is well known to be particularly helpful in treating schizophrenia patients.
Side Effects of Hafyera
Like every other medicine, Hafyera has certain side effects that came to light during its trial period. The side effects are:
- Pain, swelling, or redness on the spot of injection
- Upper respiratory problems
- Headaches
- Unintended weight gain
If you or someone you know suffers from schizophrenia, its treatment can cost a lot, especially the prescriptions. If you’re struggling to afford it, The Rx Helper is here to help you. Enroll in one of our prescription assistance programs and get access to affordable medication for a minimal monthly fee. For more information, contact us now.
Disclaimer: This article is only intended for educational purposes and shouldn’t be used as a substitute for medical advice.