Lucemyra

(LOO-seh-meer-uh)

Lucemyra (lofexidine hydrochloride) is a medication used to manage the symptoms of opioid withdrawal. It is a non-opioid medication that helps alleviate withdrawal symptoms by reducing the release of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter responsible for many withdrawal symptoms. Lofexidine is very similar to the medication clonidine, with one exception: clonidine can cause low blood pressure, whereas lofexidine has less of an impact on blood pressure. It is important to note that lofexidine is not a generic formula and can be very expensive to purchase out of pocket.

Historical context

Lucemyra was approved by the FDA in 2018 as the first non-opioid medication specifically designed to treat opioid withdrawal symptoms. It is intended for short-term use, usually up to 14 days, during the acute phase of withdrawal.

Medical formulation

Lucemyra is available as a tablet for oral administration. The standard dose is three tablets taken four times daily, with doses adjusted based on individual patient needs and response to the medication.

How long does Lucemyra stay in your system?

The half-life of Lucemyra is approximately 17 hours, meaning it takes about that time for the concentration of the drug in the body to decrease by half. It is usually eliminated from the body within 3 to 4 days after the last dose.

Appearance

Lucemyra tablets are round, white, and film-coated. They are debossed with "LFX" on one side and a number indicating the strength (e.g., "18" for 18 mg tablets) on the other side.

Common pills

Lucemyra is available in 18 mg tablets.