The FDA approves the first new schizophrenia drug in over 30 years – InForum

FARGO — A new FDA-approved drug intended to help people with schizophrenia will soon be available for prescription by medical officials.

It's called Cobenfy; a pill that must be taken twice a day.

After a five-week clinical trial, it was the first new pill in more than 30 years to treat adults with schizophrenia.

“Historically, schizophrenic patients have been mistreated and stigmatized. 60% of patients with schizophrenia do not receive the adequate relief they need. They deserve better, and I think Cobenfy offers them better,” said Mercedez Marvig, nurse practitioner at Essentia Health.

Mercedez Marvig said the new drug will circumvent the uncontrollable side effects of other drugs.

The only side effects that might occur are nausea, constipation or stomach upset, Marvig said.

Marvig said people should see results within the first month of taking the drug.

“It had really good results, only 5% of patients given Cobenfy stopped taking the drug, which is a fraction of what the other anecdotal drugs have, about 30%,” Marvig said.

Cobenfy will be available for nurses to prescribe from October 25th.

Marvig says people who have difficulty emptying their bladder or have severe liver problems should not use the new drug.

My name is Anne Sara, better known as Sara.
I was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, an only child, and moved to the United States when I was 2 years old.
I grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
After receiving my bachelor's degree from Albright College, I moved to Florida to continue my studies.
WDAY is the reason I moved to North Dakota.