Studies have shown that older adults with dementia (a brain disorder that affects the ability to remember, think clearly, communicate, and perform daily activities and that may cause changes in mood and personality) who take antipsychotics (medications for mental illness) such as paliperidone have an increased chance of death during treatment. Older adults with dementia may also have a greater chance of having a stroke or ministroke during treatment.
Paliperidone extended-release (long-acting) injection is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of behavior disorders in older adults with dementia. Talk to the doctor who prescribed this medication if you, a family member, or someone you care for has dementia and is being treated with paliperidone extended-release injection. For more information visit the FDA website: Web Site.
Talk to your doctor about the risks of receiving paliperidone extended-release injection.
Paliperidone extended-release injections (Invega Sustenna, Invega Trinza) are used to treat schizophrenia (a mental illness that causes disturbed or unusual thinking, loss of interest in life, and strong or inappropriate emotions). Paliperidone extended-release injection (Invega Sustenna) is also used alone or with other medications to treat schizoaffective disorder (a mental illness that causes both a loss of contact with reality and mood problems [depression or mania]). Paliperidone extended-release injection is in a class of medications called atypical antipsychotics. It works by changing the activity of certain natural substances in the brain.
Paliperidone extended-release injections come as a suspension (liquid) to be injected into a muscle by a healthcare provider. After you receive your first dose of paliperidone extended-release injection (Invega® Sustenna), you will receive a second dose usually 1 week after the first dose and then again every month. If you have received at least 4 months of treatment with paliperidone extended-release injection (Invega Sustenna), your doctor may switch you to paliperidone extended-release injection (Invega Trinza). Paliperidone extended-release injection (Invega Trinza) is usually injected into a muscle by a healthcare provider once every 3 months.
Paliperidone extended-release injection may help control your symptoms but will not cure your condition. Continue to keep appointments to receive paliperidone extended-release injection even if you feel well. Talk to your doctor if you do not feel like you are getting better during your treatment with paliperidone extended-release injection.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Before receiving paliperidone extended-release injection,
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
Paliperidone injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING or SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS sections, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
Paliperidone injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online ( Web Site ) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at Web Site. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
Symptoms of overdose may include the following:
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about paliperidone extended-release injection.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.
Selected Revisions: July 15, 2017.
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