Erzofri vs. Invega Sustenna for Schizophrenia: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Erzofri

(paliperidone)

Invega Sustenna

(paliperidone)

Summary for Erzofri

Prescription only

Erzofri (paliperidone) is an atypical antipsychotic. It's a long-acting injection used to treat schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder in adults. It's injected into your muscle by a healthcare professional. You’ll get a starting dose injected into the shoulder muscle. Then, your maintenance injections are once a month in the shoulder or buttock muscle. Common side effects include headache, injection site reactions, and sleepiness.

Indications for Erzofri

Schizophrenia in adults
Schizoaffective disorder in adults

Pros and Cons for Erzofri

Pros

Treats both schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder
Only needs to be given once a month
Just one starting dose (no second injection needed 1 week later)
Good option if it's hard for you to remember to take your daily paliperidone or risperidone pills

Cons

Must be given as an injection into the muscle by a healthcare professional
Not recommended if you have moderate or severe kidney problems
Can cause weight gain in some people
Risk of movement-related side effects, like stiffness or restlessness

Common Side Effects for Erzofri

Headache (up to 15%)
Injection site reactions (up to 10%)
Agitation (up to 10%)
Anxiety (up to 8%)
Drowsiness (up to 7%)
Dizziness (up to 6%)
Restlessness (up to 6%)
Vomiting (up to 5%)
Nausea (up to 4%)
Common cold symptoms (up to 4%)
Weight gain (up to 4%)

Warnings for Erzofri

Higher risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
Heart rhythm problem (QT prolongation)
Trouble controlling muscle movements (tardive dyskinesia)
Higher blood sugar, higher cholesterol, and weight gain
Low blood pressure and risk of falls
Lower white blood cell count (leading to risk of infection)
High prolactin levels
Trouble concentrating and extreme sleepiness
Seizures
Trouble swallowing and possible complications

Summary for Invega Sustenna

Prescription only

Invega Sustenna, a brand name for paliperidone, is a long-acting injection. It's an atypical antipsychotic that helps treat schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder in adults. The injection is given into the shoulder muscle or buttock by a trained healthcare professional. The first two starting doses are given one week apart. Then, the rest of the doses are given once a month. Side effects can include injection site reactions, headache, and sleepiness.

Indications for Invega Sustenna

Schizophrenia in adults
Schizoaffective disorder in adults

Pros and Cons for Invega Sustenna

Pros

Maintenance doses are given once a month
Good option if you have trouble remembering to take your oral medication
Less side effects than typical antipsychotics
Might start to help with schizophrenia symptoms within the first week

Cons

Must go to the medical office to get the injections
Can cause pain, redness, and swelling where the medication is injected
Could take some time to find a dose that works best for you, since adjustments can only be made once a month
Not approved for people under 18