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Tasimelteon Coupon - Tasimelteon 20mg capsule

tasimelteon

Generic Hetlioz
Used for Insomnia
Used for Insomnia

Tasimelteon (Hetlioz) is a prescription medication that treats specific sleep problems, including non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder (non-24) in adults and sleep disturbances in both children and adults with Smith-Magenis Syndrome (SMS). It comes as capsules for adults and a liquid suspension for children. The dosage is typically taken by mouth at the same time every night, about 1 hour before bed. Tasimelteon (Hetlioz) can potentially interact with many medications. Common side effects include headache and nightmares or unusual dreams.

Last reviewed on December 11, 2024
basics-icon

What is Tasimelteon (Hetlioz)?

What is Tasimelteon (Hetlioz) used for?

How Tasimelteon (Hetlioz) works

Tasimelteon (Hetlioz) is a melatonin receptor agonist, meaning it acts like melatonin. Melatonin is a natural hormone your body makes when it’s dark to help maintain a normal sleep cycle.

It’s not fully known how tasimelteon (Hetlioz) works, but it’s believed to help regulate sleep by working like melatonin, helping you sleep at night and stay alert during the day.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsHetlioz, Hetlioz LQ
Drug ClassMelatonin receptor agonist
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Avg retail price
$26595.53(save 87.52%)
GoodRx discount
$3320.35
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What are the side effects of Tasimelteon (Hetlioz)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Other Side Effects

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Headache
  • Vivid dreams or nightmares
pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Tasimelteon (Hetlioz)

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Pros

Only FDA-approved medication to help people with non-24 and SMS maintain a regular sleep cycle

Not a controlled substance so it's not habit forming

Available as a liquid suspension for children with SMS

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Cons

Can take weeks to months for you to notice any effect

Must be taken at the same time every night

Interacts with many medications, such as rifampin, fluvoxamine, and metoprolol

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Tasimelteon (Hetlioz)

pharmacist
  • Take tasimelteon (Hetlioz) at the same time every night to maintain a regular sleep cycle. If you can't take it at the usual time one night, skip that dose and take the next one at your regular time the following night. This way, the medication can keep working properly.

    • Take tasimelteon (Hetlioz) on an empty stomach 1 hour before bedtime. This helps your body absorb the medication faster so that you can fall asleep sooner. Taking it with food can reduce how much medication your body absorbs and potentially delay when it starts working.

      • Once you take tasimelteon (Hetlioz), focus only on preparing for bed. The medication might affect your ability to stay fully alert, so avoid doing anything that needs full concentration.

        • Tasimelteon (Hetlioz) works to correct sleep rhythm gradually. It can take weeks or months before you notice any improvements in your sleep. Continue taking the medication unless your prescriber says otherwise.

          • If you smoke tobacco, tasimelteon (Hetlioz) might not work as well because smoking can reduce the amount of medication in your body. Speak with your prescriber if you have questions about quitting smoking.

            • Keep tasimelteon (Hetlioz) capsules at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Store Hetlioz LQ liquid suspension in the refrigerator.

              Tips for Hetlioz LQ liquid suspension:

              • Shake the bottle well for at least 30 seconds before each use. If it’s your first time using the bottle, take off the seal and press the provided adapter into the neck of the bottle until it’s even with the top of the bottle. Once the adapter is attached, don’t remove it.

                • After attaching the adapter, shake the bottle again. Turn it upside down and use the provided syringe to measure the prescribed dose. When finished, leave the adapter on, replace the cap, and store the bottle in the refrigerator.

                  • Write the date you open the bottle. Throw out the 48-mL bottle after 5 weeks and the 158-mL bottle after 8 weeks, even if there’s leftover medication.

                    faqs

                    Frequently asked questions about Tasimelteon (Hetlioz)

                    Is tasimelteon (Hetlioz) FDA approved?
                    Yes. Tasimelteon (Hetlioz) is the first and currently only FDA approved medication to treat adults with Non-24 and sleep disturbances in children and adults with SMS.
                    Is tasimelteon (Hetlioz) a controlled substance?
                    No. Tasimelteon (Hetlioz) isn't a controlled substance. This means it’s not habit-forming and doesn’t cause misuse or dependence problems.
                    Does tasimelteon (Hetlioz) work?
                    In clinical studies, totally blind people with Non-24 who took tasimelteon (Hetlioz) had less daytime sleep and more nighttime sleep compared to those who took a placebo. And in studies with people who have SMS, tasimelteon (Hetlioz) also improved sleep compared to placebo. Speak with your prescriber if you have questions about how well this medication might work for you.
                    Is there a generic for tasimelteon (Hetlioz)?
                    It depends. Tasimelteon (Hetlioz) capsules are available as generic and brand-name products. But the liquid suspension only comes as a brand-medication called Hetlioz LQ.
                    Can you switch between tasimelteon (Hetlioz) capsules and liquid suspension?
                    No, tasimelteon (Hetlioz) capsules and liquid suspension (Hetlioz LQ) aren't interchangeable, meaning they can't be substituted for each other. They come in a different form and contain specific amounts of the active ingredient, tasimelteon. Tasimelteon (Hetlioz) capsules are for people ages 16 and older, while Hetlioz LQ is for children ages 3 to 15.
                    Is tasimelteon (Hetlioz) over the counter?
                    No. Tasimelteon (Hetlioz) is only available with a prescription from a healthcare professional.
                    Is tasimelteon (Hetlioz) the same as melatonin?
                    No, tasimelteon (Hetlioz) and melatonin aren't the same, but they both target similar areas of the brain to help regulate sleep. Tasimelteon (Hetlioz) is an FDA-approved medication for treating Non-24 and sleep disturbances in people with SMS. Melatonin is a natural hormone made by the body and is also available as a supplement. Supplements aren't regulated by the FDA like medications, meaning the FDA doesn't check to make sure they work or are safe before they’re sold. Additionally, the actual amount of melatonin in supplements can vary widely between brands, even if the labels list the same dose.
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                    What are the risks and warnings for Tasimelteon (Hetlioz)?

                    Tasimelteon (Hetlioz) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                    risk-warning

                    Sleepiness

                    Tasimelteon (Hetlioz) helps you sleep. After taking it, focus only on getting ready for bed since it can make it harder to do activities that require you to be fully alert.

                    risk-warning

                    Interactions with other medications

                    Some medications can change how your body gets rid of tasimelteon (Hetlioz). For example, fluvoxamine (Luvox) and ciprofloxacin (Cipro) can raise its levels, which can lead to more side effects. On the other hand, rifampin (Rifadin) and phenytoin (Dilantin) can lower its levels, making it work less. Let your prescriber or pharmacist know about all medications you’re taking to make sure they’re safe with tasimelteon (Hetlioz).

                    dosage

                    Tasimelteon (Hetlioz) dosage forms

                    The average cost for 30 capsules of 20mg of Tasimelteon (Hetlioz) is $3320.35 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 87.52% off the average retail price of $26595.53.
                    capsule
                    Capsule
                    DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                    20mg30 capsules$3320.35$110.68

                    Typical dosing for Tasimelteon (Hetlioz)

                    • Non-24: The typical dose is one 20 mg capsule, taken by mouth 1 hour before bedtime on an empty stomach.

                    • Nighttime sleep disturbances in SMS:

                      • People ages 16 and older: The typical dose is one 20 mg capsule, taken by mouth 1 hour before bedtime on an empty stomach.

                      • Children ages 3 to 15: Your child's dose of the liquid suspension (Hetlioz LQ) will depend on their weight.

                        • Weighing less than 62 lbs (28 kg): The typical dose is 0.7 mg/kg by mouth 1 hour before bedtime on an empty stomach.

                        • Weighing 62 lbs (28 kg) or more: The typical dose is 20 mg (5 mL) by mouth 1 hour before bedtime on an empty stomach.

                    Note: The capsules and liquid suspension are NOT interchangeable.

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                    How much does Tasimelteon (Hetlioz) cost?

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                    Tasimelteon (Hetlioz) images

                    Blue A44 - Tasimelteon 20mg Capsule
                    This medicine is Blue Capsule Imprinted With "A44".Blue A44 - Tasimelteon 20mg Capsule
                    Blue Apo Tas 20 - Tasimelteon 20mg Capsule
                    This medicine is Blue Capsule Imprinted With "Apo Tas 20".Blue Apo Tas 20 - Tasimelteon 20mg Capsule

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                    References

                    Best studies we found

                    Lockley, S. W., et al. (2015). Tasimelteon for non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder in totally blind people (SET and RESET): Two multicentre, randomised, double-masked, placebo-controlled phase 3 trials. The Lancet.

                    National Organization for Rare Disorders. (2017). Non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder.

                    National Organization for Rare Disorders. (2024). Smith-Magenis syndrome.

                    GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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