I just came across a press release that the once monthly injectable of Invega Sustenna may be coming onto the market with a (3 month injectable) form soon. The FDA must first conduct double blind studies before it is approved for use in the treatment of schizophrenia. However, it is with great hope they consider the side effects profile before releasing this drug to the public. With the 3 month injectable, a patient would not have to be seen by his treating M.D. as often and is more likely to go on about daily living without the interuption or intervention of his psychiatrist as often. They must consider on an individual basis the level of functioning with each patient. Higer funcitoning individuals will be able to remain stable for longer periods of time and require less interventions.

[Lexi232]

that's interesting. i started invega when it first was in trials quite a few years back. i had that rare problem that made my red blood cells bottom out within a matter of 24 hours.
one of my roomates has been on that shot that's being evaluated for a good while and "it works great". tho this person says they could do without all the frequent blood work. in this persons case, it was a blessing.

[cocoabeans]

Heh, odd chance it can cause that side effect among other serious problems but, let's inject the crazy people with a three month supply. Oh no! I benefit that some people are lab rats but, me? Nope, I would not try that crap.

[novelagent]

it's not exactly that experimental. Invega itself has millions of patient years behind it, and it's not hard for pharmacologists to calculate how long to make the drug last in extended release form. I take once-monthly Invega Sustenna, and it's fine. I never understood the cliche schizophrenic who avoids long-actings because they think relapsing gives them a sense of control, or being re-hospitalized makes them feel awesome, or because they're afraid of needles (are we 5 years old? really?)

I think once-monthly Invega Sustenna is so convenient, I can't imagine how more convenient 3 month Invega must be, but that's pretty cool. I can't wait until Latuda becomes a once-monthly injection. Abilify recently finished Phase III trials, but it requires injection into the buttock instead of the arm. But my nurse said Risperdal Consta first use ro be like that,and later changed to the arm.

I've been on Latuda, and it's good stuff, but I don't like feeling sleepy while I wait to return to a steady state if I'm off on re-dosing by more than an hour. Injections mean I always have a steady state.