QUVIVIQ

About Quviviq

Quviviq is a prescription drug containing daridorexant, a dual orexin receptor antagonists (DORAs), as its active ingredient. It is a new treatment for chronic insomnia (a common sleep disorder), recently approved by the National Institute of Care and Excellence (NICE) in the UK. The Food and Drug Administration in the U.S. (FDA) approved Quviviq in January 2022.

Quviviq is approved in the U.S. for:

• Sleep onset insomnia (difficulty falling asleep)
• Sleep maintenance insomnia (difficulty staying asleep)

Quviviq works by blocking orexin receptors, which prevents it from signalling your brain to stay awake, helping you fall asleep sooner and stay asleep longer. Quviviq is classed as a controlled substance due to its potential for misuse and risk of dependence.

NowPatient offers Quviviq as a treatment for insomnia only, following an online consultation with a prescribing clinician.

Key facts of Quviviq

• For the treatment of chronic insomnia
• Quviviq starts working within 30 minutes
• Quviviq has some common side effects which include headaches and nausea
• It can be dangerous if you take Quviviq with certain medications. If you’re not sure if it is safe, discuss this with the prescribing clinician

Who is Quviviq not suitable for?

Quviviq may not be suitable for some people. To make sure it’s safe for you, speak to the prescribing clinician before taking Quviviq if you:

• Are allergic to the active ingredient daridorexant or any of the inactive ingredients
• Have narcolepsy
• Have cataplexy
• Have liver problems
• Have depression or suicidal thoughts
• Have breathing problems, such as obstructive sleep apnea

How and where to get Quviviq?

Quviviq is available from a number of sources. It is available on prescription or over the counter at a pharmacy.

NowPatient does not allow customers to buy Quviviq directly. Our service is certified, safe and effective, and we only ever treat conditions. If you book a consultation with a prescribing clinician for the treatment of insomnia, you can discuss if Quviviq is a suitable treatment option for you.

At the end of the consultation, the clinician will decide if a treatment plan is suitable for you. If it is, the clinician will issue you with a prescription which can then be ordered, paid for and delivered directly to your chosen address by NowPatient.

Dosage and strength for Quviviq for insomnia

Quviviq is available as an oral tablet. It’s available in two strengths, 25 mg and 50 mg.

Information about how to take Quviviq for insomnia

Take Quviviq within 30 minutes before going to bed and at least 7 hours before you plan to wake up, otherwise it may make you feel sleepy the next day. Missing doses of Quviviq may make the drug less effective, so make sure you take Quviviq every night.

Your recommended dose of Quviviq will depend on the severity of your insomnia, the health of your liver and any other medications you take. You are advised to not take Quviviq more than once each night and not to increase your dosage without speaking to your doctor first.

Read the prescribing information provided in your medication guide or speak to a healthcare provider for further information.

What happens if you take too much Quviviq?

If you take more than prescribed, then it can lead to some unpleasant side effects. You should talk to your doctor or reach out to one of our prescribing clinicians, if you have taken too much Quviviq and you experience any of the following side effects:

What are the side effects of Quviviq?

In clinical trials, when compared to placebo, possible side effects of Quviviq are split into common and serious.

Common side effects include:

• Headache, dizziness, nausea
• Sleepiness the next day
• Muscle weakness
• Reduced mental alertness
• Tiredness
• Vomiting

Serious side effects include:

• Decreased alertness and responsiveness
• Sleep paralysis
• Hallucinations
• Excessive sleepiness
• Complex sleep behaviors such as sleepwalking, having sex, eating or cooking
• Worsening depression
• Suicidal thoughts or behaviors

If you experience any serious side effects, you should contact NHS 111.

If you experience a serious allergic reaction with the signs shown below you should contact emergency services on 999.

• Your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
• You’re breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you’re choking or gasping for air)
• Your throat feels tight or you’re struggling to swallow
• Your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
• You suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
• Someone faints and cannot be woken up

Always report adverse effects to the MHRA yellow card reporting system. You can read more about this here How and where do I report side effects of my medication? – NowPatient

Information about taking Quviviq at the same time as other medications or herbal supplements

There is some evidence to suggest there are drug interactions between herbal supplements and Quviviq. In any event, you should let your prescribing clinician know if you are taking herbal supplements or prescription drugs, such as:

• Other central nervous system (CNS) depressants such as benzodiazepines, muscle relaxers, opioids or sedatives such as zolpidem
• CYP3A4 inhibitors such as clarithromycin, itraconazole, and ritonavir
• CYP3A4 inducers such as efavirenz, carbamazepine, phenytoin and rifampin
• St. John’s wort

Why might Quviviq not work for insomnia?

There is the possibility Quviviq may stop working if your body develops a tolerance to the medication, meaning you will have to use higher doses to get the same effect.

Can Quviviq taken for insomnia be taken long term?

Quviviq is recommended for long-term treatment. Speak to a healthcare professional for further information.

Is there a herbal Quviviq?

No. Herbal Quviviq does not exist. If you have been marketed such a formulation, it may be fake.

Can women use Quviviq?

Women can take Quviviq for the treatment of insomnia. However, it is not known if it safe to take during pregnancy or when breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor before taking Quviviq if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Should I avoid any particular food or drink when taking Quviviq?

You can eat and drink normally when taking Quviviq. However, you should not drink alcohol while taking Quviviq as this may increase your risk of side effects, such as sleepiness and decreased mental alertness. Also, grapefruit and grapefruit juice may also increase your risk of side effects.

Keep in mind also, that it is better to take Quviviq without food. Food may delay the effects of Quviviq on your body and take longer for Quviviq to help you fall asleep.

What lifestyle changes can I make to help me with insomnia?

• Improve your sleep hygiene – follow a sleep schedule and avoid bright screens before bed
• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine at bedtime

Alternatives to Quviviq

Alternatives for the treatment of insomnia include medication such as melatonin and zolpidem.

Sources

• Medicalnewstoday – Quviviq
• Insomnia – NHS 
• MHRA Product’s