{"id":629542,"date":"2024-08-21T11:16:49","date_gmt":"2024-08-21T15:16:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=629542"},"modified":"2024-10-25T09:46:42","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T13:46:42","slug":"quviviq-vs-belsomra","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/quviviq-vs-belsomra\/","title":{"rendered":"Quviviq vs. Belsomra: Differences, similarities, and side effects"},"content":{"rendered":"

For people who struggle with insomnia or trouble sleeping, various options are available to help promote a good night’s rest. <\/span>Quviviq<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Belsomra<\/span><\/a> are two prescription medications that a healthcare provider may recommend. These brand-name medications belong to a class of drugs called dual orexin receptor antagonists (DORAs). They work by targeting specific receptors in the brain involved in wakefulness.<\/span><\/p>\n

Both Quviviq and Belsomra belong to the same drug class, but they have several differences. The better option will depend on the person and what works for them. A prescribing healthcare provider can determine the most effective option based on an individual’s overall needs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Quviviq vs. Belsomra: Key differences<\/span><\/h2>\n

The main difference between Quviviq and Belsomra is that they contain different active ingredients. Quviviq is a drug manufactured by Idorsia Pharmaceuticals that contains daridorexant. Belsomra is manufactured by Merck Sharp & Dohme and contains suvorexant.<\/span><\/p>\n

Belsomra was the first DORA, approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2014. Quviviq is a newer drug, with its first approval in 2022. Quviviq comes as a 25 or 50 milligram (mg) tablet, while Belsomra is available as an oral tablet in strengths of 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, and 20 mg. <\/span><\/p>\n

Quviviq may start working faster and has a shorter half-life than Belsomra. <\/span>Quviviq has a half-life of around eight hours<\/span><\/a> while <\/span>Belsomra has a half-life of around 15 hours<\/span><\/a>. This means that Quviviq may be cleared from the body more quickly, potentially reducing the risk of next-day drowsiness.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/thead>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Compare Quviviq vs. Belsomra: Key differences<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

<\/td>\nQuviviq<\/b><\/td>\nBelsomra<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drug class<\/b><\/td>\nOrexin receptor antagonist<\/span><\/td>\nOrexin receptor antagonist<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brand\/generic status<\/b><\/td>\nBrand<\/span><\/td>\nBrand<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the generic name?<\/b><\/td>\nDaridorexant<\/span><\/td>\nSuvorexant<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What form(s) does the drug come in?<\/b><\/td>\nOral tablet<\/span><\/td>\nOral tablet<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the standard dosage?<\/b><\/td>\n25 to 50 mg once at night, taken 30 minutes before bedtime, with at least 7 hours allotted for sleep<\/span><\/td>\n10 to 20 mg once at night, taken 30 minutes before bedtime, with at least 7 hours allotted for sleep<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
How long is the typical treatment?<\/b><\/td>\nShort- or long-term<\/span><\/td>\nShort- or long-term<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Who typically uses the medication?<\/b><\/td>\nAdults<\/span><\/td>\nAdults<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Quviviq vs. Belsomra: Conditions treated<\/span><\/h2>\n

Quviviq and Belsomra are medications mainly prescribed for <\/span>insomnia treatment<\/span><\/a>. These drugs help individuals who have trouble falling asleep (sleep onset), staying asleep (sleep maintenance), or both. Both medications may be used for treating chronic insomnia. <\/span><\/p>\n

These drugs do not treat narcolepsy or other sleep disorders. Instead, they help manage symptoms of insomnia and improve sleep quality.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Compare Quviviq vs. Belsomra conditions treated<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Condition<\/b><\/td>\nQuviviq<\/b><\/td>\nBelsomra<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Insomnia<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Is Belsomra better than Quviviq?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Belsomra and Quviviq have been shown to be more effective than placebo or using nothing at all. <\/span>One study compared daridorexant and suvorexant<\/span><\/a> and concluded that daridorexant has fewer side effects than suvorexant and can improve daytime function. However, the better medication will depend on an individual’s response to either drug regarding effectiveness and side effects. <\/span><\/p>\n

A network analysis compared the <\/span>effectiveness of different doses<\/span><\/a> of FDA-approved sleep medications, including suvorexant and daridorexant, by analyzing data from nine clinical trials with 7,257 total participants. Suvorexant at 20 mg and 40 mg and daridorexant at 10 mg and 50 mg were found to be the best at helping people fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Other drugs like lemborexant were also effective, especially at 5 mg and 10 mg doses, in reducing the time it takes to fall asleep and increasing total sleep time.<\/span><\/p>\n

Consult a healthcare provider for the most appropriate insomnia drug. They can evaluate a person’s medical history, sleep problems, and current medications. Both drugs have shown efficacy in improving sleep quality and duration but may work differently for each individual.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Quviviq vs. Ambien<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Quviviq vs. Belsomra: Insurance coverage and cost comparison<\/span><\/h2>\n

Belsomra may have wider acceptance among insurance plans than Quviviq, as it’s an older, more established drug. Medicare plans rarely cover Quviviq, though specific coverage may vary. Individuals should check their plans to see if prior authorization is required.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Is Quviviq covered by Medicare?<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Without insurance, the <\/span>retail costs of Quviviq<\/span><\/a> and Belsomra can vary. A 30-day supply may be slightly higher for Quviviq than Belsomra, although both medications can run over $600 as brand-name medications. There are currently no generic versions available for Quviviq or Belsomra.<\/span><\/p>\n

A SingleCare coupon may be able to help reduce the retail cost of <\/span>Quviviq<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Belsomra<\/span><\/a>. Always compare prices to find the most cost-effective option. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Compare Quviviq vs. Belsomra: Cost & coverage<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

<\/td>\nQuviviq<\/b><\/td>\nBelsomra<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by insurance?<\/b><\/td>\nVaries<\/span><\/td>\nVaries<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by Medicare Part D?<\/b><\/td>\nVaries<\/span><\/td>\nVaries<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Quantity<\/b><\/td>\n30 tablets <\/span><\/td>\n30 tablets <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
SingleCare cost<\/b><\/td>\n$488<\/span><\/td>\n$389<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

RELATED: <\/b>How to save on Quviviq<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Quviviq vs. Belsomra side effects<\/span><\/h2>\n

Quviviq and Belsomra share similar side effects. Both drugs can cause daytime sleepiness and drowsiness due to their action on the brain to help with sleep. Both medications may also cause headaches, dizziness, and abnormal dreams.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, Belsomra may cause more side effects in general than Quviviq. Unlike Quviviq, Belsomra can cause diarrhea, dry mouth, and cough. <\/span><\/p>\n

Serious side effects are possible with both drugs, such as worsened depression, complex sleep behaviors, and respiratory depression. Seek medical attention if serious side effects develop, persist, or worsen. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Compare Quviviq vs. Belsomra: Side effects<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

<\/td>\nQuviviq<\/b><\/td>\nBelsomra<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Side effect<\/b><\/td>\nApplicable?<\/b><\/td>\nFrequency<\/b><\/td>\nApplicable?<\/b><\/td>\nFrequency<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Sleepiness<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n6%<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n7%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Headache<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n6%<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n7%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Diarrhea<\/span><\/td>\nNo<\/span><\/td>\n–<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n2%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Dry mouth<\/span><\/td>\nNo <\/span><\/td>\n–<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n2%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Dizziness<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n2%<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n3%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Abnormal dreams<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nN\/A<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n2%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cough<\/span><\/td>\nNo <\/span><\/td>\n–<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n2%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
Frequency is not based on data from a head-to-head trial. This may not be a complete list of adverse effects that can occur. Please refer to your doctor or healthcare provider to learn more.<\/span><\/i><\/h5>\n
Source: DailyMed (<\/span>Quviviq<\/span><\/a>), DailyMed (<\/span>Belsomra<\/span><\/a>)<\/span><\/h5>\n

Quviviq and Belsomra drug interactions<\/span><\/h2>\n

Quviviq and Belsomra are medications that can interact with other drugs that slow down the central nervous system (CNS), like benzodiazepines (used for anxiety), opioids (painkillers), and tricyclic antidepressants. Taking these medications together can increase the risk of feeling severe sleepiness or drowsiness during the day. Therefore, the doses of Quviviq, Belsomra, and other CNS depressants may need to be adjusted if used together.<\/span><\/p>\n

Both Quviviq and Belsomra are <\/span>processed by the liver<\/span><\/a> using a specific pathway involving an enzyme. This means they can interact with other drugs that affect how this liver pathway works. For example:<\/span><\/p>\n