Skip to main content
Drug Info

Latuda generic availability, cost, and dosage

Lurasidone, the generic version of Latuda, is just as effective but generally less expensive
Karen Berger medical writer and reviewer headshot
By | Mar. 8, 2024
A prescription pad and a prescription bottle: Latuda generic availability, cost, and dosage

Key takeaways

  • Latuda is the brand name of lurasidone. It is a second-generation antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar depression.

  • Generic medications are as safe and effective as their brand-name counterparts. By choosing generic lurasidone, you can save a considerable amount of money on your prescription. 

  • Before taking lurasidone, let your healthcare provider know about any medical problems you have, as well as all the medications you take, including prescription and OTC drugs, vitamins, and supplements.

In this article:

Latuda is a brand-name drug classified in a group of medications called atypical antipsychotic drugs, also known as second-generation antipsychotics. Latuda is commonly prescribed for the treatment of schizophrenia or depression from bipolar disorder. More specifically, it is FDA approved to treat the following mental health conditions:

  • Schizophrenia in adults and adolescents ages 13 and older
  • Major depressive episodes associated with bipolar I disorder (bipolar depression) as a stand-alone treatment in adults and children ages 10 and older
  • Major depressive episodes associated with bipolar I disorder (bipolar depression) in adult patients in combination with lithium or valproate; this is called adjunctive therapy

Latuda contains the active ingredient lurasidone. It works by balancing levels of neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) in the brain called dopamine and serotonin. These neurotransmitters help regulate mood, behavior, and thoughts.

Latuda was initially approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2010. Although many individuals refer to Latuda as a brand-name medication, a generic version is available. The generic name is lurasidone, and it can be found at pharmacies across the United States. Continue reading to learn more about Latuda and its generic, lurasidone.

Generic Latuda availability

In 2019, the FDA granted approval to several manufacturers to market generic Latuda in the United States. However, it took several years for an agreement between generic manufacturers and Latuda’s manufacturer. 

As of February 2023, generic lurasidone is now available to patients in the United States. Manufacturers of lurasidone include Accord, Amneal, Dr. Reddy’s, MSN/Novadoz, Alkem/Ascend, Zydus, and Lupin. 

Lurasidone vs. Latuda: Is there a difference?

Although generic drugs may differ in appearance from the brand name, they contain the same active ingredient and work the same way. However, there is a significant difference in the cost, as generics can cost up to 80% less than their brand-name counterparts.

Brand-name and generic medications also have the same FDA-approved uses, so they are the same in terms of safety and efficacy. Generics can offer significant cost savings, so many patients choose generics when available and find them to have the same efficacy as the brand. The FDA requires generics to be bioequivalent to the brand, which means the generic drug results in the same concentrations in the blood over the same period of time as the brand. 

Some clinical studies do find that there may be differences between brand and generic drugs, though. For example, a study published in 2020 compared brand-name and generic antidepressants. The study researchers concluded that individuals who took a brand-name antidepressant had a lower potential risk of hospitalization than those who took a generic antidepressant. 

However, these types of studies are more the exception than the norm. Data from the FDA finds that 91% of all prescription drugs in the United States are filled for generics. 

The following table summarizes important information about Latuda and its generic, lurasidone. 

Latuda (lurasidone)
Uses
  • Schizophrenia in adults and adolescents 13 and older
  • Bipolar depression in adults and pediatric patients 10 and older
  • Bipolar depression in adults, in combination with lithium or valproate
Standard dosage (dose is listed by condition and age)
  • Schizophrenia in adults: 40 mg to 160 mg per day
  • Schizophrenia in patients ages 13 to 17: 40 mg to 80 mg per day
  • Bipolar depression in adults: 20 mg to 120 mg per day
  • Bipolar depression in patients ages 10 to 17: 20 mg to 80 mg per day
Common side effects
  • Dizziness 
  • Balance problems
  • Anxiety 
  • Weakness
  • Tiredness
  • Restlessness
  • Uncontrollable shaking
  • Slow movements
  • Shuffling walk
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Changes in appetite
  • Increased saliva
  • Breast enlargement
  • Breast discharge
  • Irregular or missed menstrual periods
  • Sexual problems
Contraindications (reasons you should not take this medicine)
  • Allergy to lurasidone or any ingredient in the medication
  • People with dementia-related psychosis
  • Taking certain medications, such as ketoconazole, clarithromycin, ritonavir, rifampin, St. John’s wort, phenytoin, or carbamazepine, due to the possibility of drug interactions
Other considerations
  • Take this medication with at least 350 calories of food. Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice.
  • Do not drive until you know how this medication affects you.
  • While taking this medication, avoid becoming too hot or dehydrated. Drink plenty of fluids and stay out of the sun.
  • Boxed warning: Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis who take antipsychotic drugs have an increased risk of death. People with dementia-related psychosis should not take this medicine. Also, people who take this medicine should be closely monitored by family members and caregivers for sudden changes in mood and behavior, panic attacks, or increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
  • Get emergency medical help if you have symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling.
  • Store at room temperature, out of reach and out of sight of children and pets.

Generic Latuda cost

Generic medications can save patients a considerable amount of money. For example, a prescription for 30 40-milligram (mg) tablets of brand-name Latuda costs about $1,858 without a health insurance plan, although this cost varies by pharmacy. If you choose generic lurasidone and apply a free SingleCare discount, you can pay as little as $22. That’s a savings of $1,836 per month and over $22,000 per year. 

Costs will vary based on various factors such as insurance provider and coverage, dosage, quantity, and pharmacy. You can always check with your insurance company for more information about pricing. You may even be able to save more by asking your doctor for a 90-day supply of the medication rather than a 30-day supply. 

Brand vs. generic Latuda prices as of February 2024
Brand-name Latuda Latuda generic (lurasidone)
Average cost without insurance $1,698 for 30 20-mg tablets of Latuda $1,335 for 30 20-mg tablets of generic lurasidone 
SingleCare’s lowest price $1,374 for 30 20-mg tablets of Latuda $21 for 30 20-mg tablets of generic lurasidone
Free coupons Latuda coupons Lurasidone coupons

How to switch from Latuda to lurasidone

When issuing a prescription for this medication, a healthcare professional will generally write the prescription as “Latuda.” State laws allow pharmacists to substitute generic versions of brand-name drugs—unless you or your doctor specifically request not to substitute the brand with a generic. 

If you take brand-name Latuda and wish to switch to generic, check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist. The brand-name and generic products contain the same ingredients and dosage, so switching to generic should be an easy and seamless transition. 

If you are concerned about switching to a generic version of Latuda, you can always try it for one month. If you are not happy with the generic after one month, you can ask your pharmacist to switch you back to the brand-name medication. 

Always consult your healthcare provider for medical advice if you have any questions or concerns about your medications. 

Sources