Invega (Paliperidone) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 27, 2012

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Schizoaffective Disorder »

Introduction

Schizoaffective disorder is a serious mental illness that has features of two different conditions, schizophrenia and an affective (mood) disorder, either major depression or bipolar disorder.

Schizophrenia is a brain disorder that distorts the way a person thinks, acts, expresses emotions, perceives reality and relates to others. Depression is an illness that is marked by feelings of sadness, worthlessness or hopelessness, as well as problems concentrating and remembering details. Bipolar disorder is characterized by cycling mood changes, including severe highs (mania) and lows (depression).

Schizoaffective disorder is a life-long illness that can impact all areas of daily living, including work or school, social contacts and relationships. Most people with this illness have periodic episodes, called relapses, when their symptoms surface. While there is no cure for schizoaffective disorder, symptoms of...

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Invega Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking paliperidone (Invega)?

Paliperidone is not for use in psychotic conditions related to dementia. Paliperidone may cause heart failure, sudden death, or pneumonia in older adults with dementia-related conditions.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to paliperidone or a similar drug called risperidone (Risperdal).

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication. Before you take paliperidone, tell your doctor if you have:

a history of low white blood cell (WBC) counts;
a personal or family history of Long QT syndrome;
heart disease, heart rhythm problems, or a history of heart attack or stroke;
a history of low white blood cell (WBC) counts;
high or low blood pressure;
an electrolyte imbalance, such as low potassium or magnesium levels in your blood;
a history of breast cancer;
seizures or epilepsy;
kidney or liver disease;
diabetes (paliperidone may raise your blood sugar);
a stomach or intestinal disorder;
a history of suicidal thoughts;
Parkinson's disease; or
trouble swallowing.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether paliperidone is harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Paliperidone passes into breast milk and could cause harm to a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Older adults may be more likely to have side effects from this medicine.

How should I take paliperidone (Invega)?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Paliperidone can be taken with or without food.

Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow the pill whole. It is specially made to release medicine slowly in the body. Breaking the pill would cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.

It is important to take paliperidone regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Paliperidone may cause you to have high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). Talk to your doctor if you have any signs of hyperglycemia such as increased thirst or urination, excessive hunger, or weakness. If you are diabetic, check your blood sugar levels on a regular basis while you are taking paliperidone.

Store paliperidone at room temperature away from moisture, light, and heat.

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