How Much Does Zurzuvae Cost With and Without Insurance?
Zurzuvae is a postpartum depression pill that costs $15,900 for the recommended 14-day treatment. Learn how to save with insurance or a patient support program.
Zurzuvae
Used for Postpartum Depression
Used for Postpartum Depression
Zurzuvae (zuranolone) is the first oral medication FDA approved to treat adults with postpartum depression (PPD), a type of depression that can happen after having a baby. It belongs to a class of medications called neurosteroids that help regulate mood by balancing certain chemicals in the brain. You typically take it once a day by mouth in the evening with food for 2 weeks. Common side effects include sleepiness, dizziness, and diarrhea.
What is Zurzuvae (zuranolone)?
What is Zurzuvae (zuranolone) used for?
- Postpartum depression (PPD)
How Zurzuvae (zuranolone) works
Zurzuvae (zuranolone) is a neurosteroid. The exact way this medication works to treat postpartum depression isn’t fully known. But it's thought to boost the activity of GABA in the brain, a chemical important for calming nerve signals and improving mood.
When does Zurzuvae (zuranolone) start working?Time passed since treatment started:
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Zurzuvae |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Neurosteroid |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Schedule IV |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
More on Zurzuvae (zuranolone) essentials
Risks and warnings for Zurzuvae (zuranolone)
Zurzuvae (zuranolone) 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.
Not safe to drive or do hazardous activities
Zurzuvae (zuranolone) can make you less alert and affect your ability to drive safely. You shouldn't drive, use machinery, or do other activities that require focus for 12 hours after each dose. Keep in mind, you might not be able to judge your own driving ability while taking this medication.
Before starting Zurzuvae (zuranolone), let your family or caregiver know about these side effect.They can help keep you safe and assist with transportation or other needs during your treatment.
Effects that slow down the brain and body
- Risk factors: Drinking alcohol | Taking other medications that cause drowsiness | Taking medications that interact with Zurzuvae (zuranolone)
Zurzuvae (zuranolone) can make you feel dizzy, drowsy, or confused. This could raise your risk of falls or injuring yourself. Your risk is higher if you drink alcohol or take other medications that also cause drowsiness, such as benzodiazepines, opioids, or certain antidepressants. Some medications can also interact with Zurzuvae (zuranolone) by keeping it from breaking down in your body, which can raise medication levels and make side effects worse.
If you feel very sleepy or dizzy, let your prescriber know. Depending on how serious your side effects are, they might lower your dose of Zurzuvae (zuranolone) or consider other treatment options for you.
Suicidal thoughts and behavior
- Risk factors: Age under 24 years old | History of depression
Taking antidepressants, like Zurzuvae (zuranolone), can sometimes make your depression worse or cause thoughts of suicide or self harm. The risk is highest if you're 24 years old or younger. If you or those around you notice suicidal thoughts or unusual behavior, like anxiety, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, feeling angry or irritated, restlessness, while taking Zurzuvae (zuranolone), get medical help right away. Your prescriber might have you stop taking the medication.
Harm to unborn baby
Based on animal studies, Zurzuvae (zuranolone) might cause harm to an unborn baby if taken during pregnancy. If you can become pregnant, you should use birth control during treatment and for 1 week after your last dose to help prevent pregnancy.
Side effects of Zurzuvae (zuranolone)
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
- Sleepiness (36%)
- Dizziness (13%)
- Diarrhea (6%)
- Tiredness (5%)
- Urinary tract infection (5%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Memory problems
- Stomach pain
- Tremor (shaking)
- Numbness or less sensitive to touch
- Muscle twitching
- Muscle pain
- COVID-19
- Anxiety
- Rash
Zurzuvae (zuranolone) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Drowsiness and less alert: sleepiness, drowsiness, slow thinking, dizziness, confusion, trouble walking
The following Zurzuvae (zuranolone) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- CNS depression—slow or shallow breathing, shortness of breath, feeling faint, dizziness, confusion, trouble staying awake
- Thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Pros and cons of Zurzuvae (zuranolone)
Pros
- First oral medication used to treat PPD
- Can take on its own or with other oral antidepressants
- Taken once daily
- Treatment lasts only 2 weeks
- Effects on mood can continue for at least 1 month after the last dose
Cons
- Must be taken with fat-containing food
- Commonly causes sleepiness, so can't drive for at least 12 hours after each dose
- Risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior
- Not known if safe in breastfeeding
- Is a controlled substance
Pharmacist tips for Zurzuvae (zuranolone)
- Take Zurzuvae (zuranolone) with a fatty meal to help your body absorb the medication better. Ask your prescriber which foods are best to eat with it.
- If you miss a dose of Zurzuvae (zuranolone), skip it and take your regular dose the next evening. Never double up your doses since this can lead to more side effects.
- Zurzuvae (zuranolone) might make you feel sleepy or less alert. The risk is higher if you take other medications that cause drowsiness. Tell your prescriber if it makes daily activities hard since they might adjust your dose.
- Zurzuvae (zuranolone) can affect your ability to drive safely. Always take it in the evening and wait at least 12 hours before driving or doing activities that require focus.
- Don't drink alcohol while taking Zurzuvae (zuranolone). Alcohol can worsen sleepiness and confusion caused by this medication.
- Share a list of your medications with your care team while taking Zurzuvae (zuranolone). Some medications can interact with it and raise your risk of side effects, so your dose might need to be adjusted.
- Like other antidepressants, Zurzuvae (zuranolone) might cause your mood to worsen in rare cases. Call 988, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, right away if you have thoughts of suicide or self-harm.
- Because of the potential harm to babies, use birth control during treatment with Zurzuvae (zuranolone) and for 1 week after your last dose.
Zurzuvae (zuranolone) dosage
Typical dosage for Zurzuvae (zuranolone)
The typical dose is 50 mg by mouth once a day in the evening with food for 14 days.
Your dose might differ if you're having side effects, taking certain medications that interact with Zurzuvae (zuranolone), or have liver or kidney problems.
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