Caplyta vs. Latuda: Differences, similarities & side effects

In this article:

• Caplyta vs. Latuda: Key differences
• Caplyta vs. Latuda: Conditions treated
• Is Latuda better than Caplyta?
• Caplyta vs. Latuda: Insurance coverage and cost comparison
• Caplyta vs. Latuda side effects
• Caplyta and Latuda drug interactions
• Caplyta and Latuda drug warnings

In this article

• Caplyta vs. Latuda: Key differences
• Caplyta vs. Latuda: Conditions treated
• Is Latuda better than Caplyta?
• Caplyta vs. Latuda: Insurance coverage and cost comparison
• Caplyta vs. Latuda side effects
• Caplyta and Latuda drug interactions
• Caplyta and Latuda drug warnings

Caplyta (lumateperone) and Latuda (lurasidone) are brand-name second-generation antipsychotics. Both medicines are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat schizophrenia and bipolar depression. Because they belong to the same class of drugs, they work the same way—by blocking certain dopamine and serotonin receptors and activating other receptors. Although Caplyta and Latuda are both classified as second-generation antipsychotics, they are not exactly the same. These medicines have some similarities, and some differences, too. Continue reading to learn more about Caplyta and Latuda.

Caplyta vs. Latuda: Key differences

Antipsychotic medications are used to treat conditions related to psychosis (a group of symptoms involving a disconnection from reality), such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, delirium, and other mental health conditions. These medications are generally prescribed by psychiatrists. There are two types of antipsychotics: 

• First-generation antipsychotics, also known as typical antipsychotics, were the first types of antipsychotic medicines to be developed. These drugs, which include Haldol (haloperidol) and others, are not as commonly used to treat psychosis due to their side effects now that newer drugs with less extensive side effects are available. 
• Second-generation antipsychotics, or atypical antipsychotics, are now the preferred drugs for the treatment of psychosis because they have fewer side effects than first-generation antipsychotics. In addition to Caplyta and Latuda, drugs in this class include Abilify (aripiprazole), Geodon (ziprasidone), Risperdal (risperidone), Zyprexa (olanzapine), Rexulti (brexpiprazole), Saphris (asenapine), Seroquel (quetiapine), Vraylar (cariprazine), and others.

RELATED: Latuda vs. risperidone

Caplyta is a brand-name drug with no generic version available. Latuda is available in brand name as well as generic lurasidone. Caplyta is FDA approved for use in adult patients only. In contrast, Latuda can be used in adults as well as older children and adolescents, depending on the use. While Caplyta can be taken with or without food, Latuda should always be taken with food—at least 350 calories—for optimal absorption.

Compare Caplyta vs. Latuda key differences
	Caplyta	Latuda
Drug class	Second-generation antipsychotic; atypical antipsychotic	Second-generation antipsychotic; atypical antipsychotic
Brand/generic status	Brand	Brand and generic
What is the generic name?	The active ingredient is lumateperone, but there is no generic available.	Lurasidone
What form(s) does the drug come in?	Oral capsules: 10.5 mg, 21 mg, and 42 mg	Oral tablets: 20 mg, 40 mg, 60 mg, 80 mg, and 120 mg
What is the standard dosage?	42 mg by mouth once daily	Varies by indication Schizophrenia: 40 to 160 mg by mouth once daily Bipolar depression: 20 to 120 mg by mouth once daily Latuda should always be taken with at least 350 calories of food for optimal absorption.
How long is the typical treatment?	Long-term	Long-term
Who typically uses the medication?	Adults	Adults and adolescents 13–17 years old for schizophrenia Adults and pediatric patients 10–17 years old for bipolar depression

Caplyta vs. Latuda: Conditions treated

Both medications are approved by the FDA for the treatment of schizophrenia as well as bipolar depression. For bipolar depression, either drug can be used alone (this is called monotherapy) or along with a mood stabilizer such as lithium or divalproex (this is called adjunctive, or add-on, therapy). Note that Caplyta is FDA approved for bipolar I or bipolar II disorder, while Latuda is FDA approved for bipolar I disorder.

Compare Caplyta vs. Latuda conditions treated
Condition	Caplyta	Latuda
Schizophrenia	Yes (adults only)	Yes (adults and adolescents 13–17 years old)
Depressive episodes associated with bipolar  disorder (bipolar depression)	Yes (adults only) for bipolar I or bipolar II disorder	Yes (for use in adults and pediatric patients 10–17 years when used as the only treatment; for use in adults only when used along with lithium or divalproex/valproate); for bipolar I disorder

 

Is Latuda better than Caplyta?

There is no data directly comparing the two drugs. However, a review of many clinical studies looked at five atypical antipsychotics, including Caplyta and Latuda, among others. The researchers found that all five antipsychotics were more effective than placebo (inactive medicine). Latuda ranked second, and Caplyta ranked third in terms of efficacy. Caplyta had higher rates of sleepiness as a side effect than Latuda. However, Caplyta was associated with lower rates of weight gain than placebo and the other antipsychotics. Caplyta was ranked second for best-tolerated medication, and Latuda was ranked third.

Only a healthcare provider can determine the best treatment option for your condition, considering individual factors such as symptoms, medical conditions, medical and family history, potential side effects, and drug interactions. 

Caplyta vs. Latuda: Insurance coverage and cost comparison

Most commercial health insurance plans and Medicare prescription plans offer coverage for Caplyta and Latuda. However, copays and out-of-pocket costs will vary by plan. Insurance plans generally charge less for generic drugs, so lurasidone is likely to be more affordable than Latuda. Choosing the brand-name drug may result in a higher cost, or it may not be covered at all. You can contact your insurance plan for the most recent information on pricing estimates of each medication.

For people without insurance, a one-month supply of Caplyta costs about $2,144. However, you can use a free SingleCare prescription discount card to pay a lower cost of $1,608 monthly. 

Without insurance, a one-month supply of brand-name Latuda will cost about $1,859 out of pocket. However, using a free SingleCare coupon will drop the cost to about $1,374, depending on the pharmacy. You’ll pay as little as $20 if your healthcare provider prescribes generic lurasidone instead of Latuda.

Compare Caplyta vs. Latuda cost & coverage
	Caplyta	Latuda
Typically covered by insurance?	Yes	Yes
Typically covered by Medicare Part D?	Yes	Yes (generic)
Quantity	30, 42 mg capsules	30, 20 mg tablets
SingleCare cost*	$1,700	$1,374 for brand-name Latuda; $19 for generic lurasidone

* Cost at the time of publication. Drug costs fluctuate and vary by pharmacy.

Caplyta vs. Latuda side effects

Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) are a group of movement disorders often caused by antipsychotic drugs. There are various types of movement problems, including:

• Dystonia: Involuntary muscle contractions resulting in abnormal posture and repetitive movements. Dystonia can affect the back, pelvis, stomach, neck, jaw, eyes, face, and tongue.
• Akathisia: A feeling of restlessness and an urge to move. People with akathisia may cross their legs repetitively or shift back and forth from one foot to the other.
• Parkinsonism: Symptoms of Parkinsonism may include shaking, stiffness, a slow and shuffling gait, stooped posture, imbalance, and difficulty standing up from a sitting position. 
• Tardive dyskinesia (TD): Involuntary movements that affect the face and tongue, like grimacing, lip smacking, and blinking.

Common side effects of Caplyta include sleepiness, dizziness, dry mouth, and nausea. Caplyta can also cause fertility problems in both males and females. You should consult your healthcare provider if this is a concern.

Common side effects of Latuda include nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, and EPS. Latuda can also increase prolactin levels. This may cause men to have swollen breast tissue or erectile dysfunction. In women, this may cause breast milk secretion, even in those who are not breastfeeding. It may also cause your menstrual cycle to go away.

Less often, serious side effects may occur. Individuals with symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, should seek emergency medical attention. 

The table below provides more information about side effects. Note that for Latuda, the frequency is a range, which can vary by dose. This is not a full list of side effects, and others may occur. Consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information about side effects.

Compare Caplyta vs. Latuda side effects
	Caplyta		Latuda
Side effect	Applicable?	Frequency	Applicable?	Frequency
Insomnia	No	N/A	Yes	7–11%
EPS	Yes	Varies by condition, from 1.3 to 6.7%	Yes	6–22%
Nausea	Yes	9%	Yes	7–13%
Vomiting	Yes	4%	Yes	6–9%
Drowsiness or sedation	Yes	24%	Yes	8–26%
Dizziness	Yes	5%	Yes	4–6%
Dry mouth	Yes	6%	Yes	4–6%
Agitation	No	N/A	Yes	3–10%
Anxiety	No	N/A	Yes	3–7%

Source: Caplyta (DailyMed), Latuda (DailyMed)

Caplyta and Latuda drug interactions

Before taking Caplyta or Latuda, tell your healthcare provider about all the medications you take, including prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements. Certain medications can affect how Caplyta and Latuda are processed in the body, and Caplyta and Latuda can affect other medications. Some drugs should be avoided, while others may require a dosage adjustment. You should also avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking Caplyta and Latuda. Talk to your healthcare provider about drug interactions and how they may affect you.

Compare Caplyta vs. Latuda drug interactions
Drug	Drug class	Interacts with Caplyta?	Interacts with Latuda?
Clarithromycin  Ketoconazole Ritonavir Voriconazole	Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors	Yes	Yes
Diltiazem  Erythromycin  Fluconazole  Verapamil	Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors	Yes	Yes
Carbamazepine Phenytoin  Rifampin  St. John’s wort	Strong CYP3A4 inducers	Yes	Yes
Bosentan  Efavirenz  Modafinil  Nafcillin	Moderate CYP3A4 inducers	Yes	Yes

 

Caplyta and Latuda drug warnings

Before taking Caplyta or Latuda, tell your healthcare provider about any medical conditions you have, including if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Both Caplyta and Latuda have a boxed warning, also called a black box warning, which is the most serious warning required by the FDA. The warnings state that:

• Older adults with dementia-related psychosis have an increased risk of death if they take antipsychotic medication. People with dementia-related psychosis should take neither Caplyta nor Latuda.
• As seen in short-term studies, antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, especially in children and young adults. Patients of any age who take Caplyta or Latuda should be closely monitored for changes in mood and behavior or suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Other warnings for both drugs include:

• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is potentially fatal and has been reported with antipsychotic medications. Be alert to signs and symptoms of rigid muscles, high fever, delirium, and kidney failure. Emergency medical help is required for NMS.
• To minimize the risk of TD, healthcare professionals focus on prescribing the lowest effective dose of medicine. Patients who take Caplyta or Latuda will be monitored for movement disorders.
• Because metabolic changes like high blood sugar, high cholesterol, and weight gain may occur, people who take Caplyta or Latuda will be monitored for any changes. 
• Patients who take Caplyta or Latuda will also have blood cell counts monitored. If there is a significant decrease in white blood cells, the medication may have to be stopped, under the guidance of a healthcare provider. 
• Caplyta and Latuda can cause orthostatic hypotension. This means that your blood pressure drops when standing up. Healthcare providers may monitor patients’ heart rate and blood pressure while they’re taking Caplyta or Latuda, especially if they have certain medical conditions like heart disease. Because Caplyta or Latuda can cause these effects, as well as drowsiness and instability, patients who take these medications may be at risk for fainting, falls, and fractures. 
• When taking Caplyta or Latuda, avoid alcohol, and do not drive or operate machinery until you know how the medication affects you.  
• Caplyta and Latuda should be used cautiously in people with a history of seizures. Let your healthcare provider know if you have ever had a seizure.
• Both drugs may make you more sensitive to hot temperatures. To avoid becoming dehydrated, be sure to drink enough fluids when taking Caplyta or Latuda, especially when exercising and in the heat.