Invega Sustenna

Pronunciation: PAL-ee-PER-i-done
Generic Name: Paliperidone
Brand Name: Invega Sustenna

Invega Sustenna is an atypical antipsychotic. It may increase the risk of death when used to treat mental problems caused by dementia in elderly patients. Most of the deaths were linked to heart problems or infection. Invega Sustenna is not approved to treat mental problems caused by dementia.

Invega Sustenna is used for:

Treating schizophrenia. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Invega Sustenna is an atypical antipsychotic. Exactly how it works is not known. It is thought to affect certain substances in the brain.

Do NOT use Invega Sustenna if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Invega Sustenna or to risperidone


• you have moderate to severe kidney problems or a history of certain heart problems (eg irregular heartbeat, long QT syndrome)


• you are taking certain antiarrhythmics (eg, amiodarone, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol), a phenothiazine (eg, chlorpromazine, thioridazine), certain quinolone antibiotics (eg, gatifloxacin, moxifloxacin), or tetrabenazine

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Invega Sustenna:

Some medical conditions may interact with Invega Sustenna. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding


• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement


• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances


• if you have a history of seizures, heart problems (eg, heart failure; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat), an abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG), a heart attack, a stroke, blood vessel problems, low white blood cell levels, high blood cholesterol or triglyceride levels, low blood volume, or high or low blood pressure


• if you have a history of kidney problems, liver problems, stomach or bowel problems (eg, narrowing, inflammation, blockage), cystic fibrosis, neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), suicidal thoughts or attempts, Reye syndrome, or alcohol abuse or dependence


• if you have diabetes or are very overweight, or if a family member has had diabetes


• if you have low blood potassium or magnesium levels, Alzheimer disease, dementia, Parkinson disease, diarrhea, or esophagus problems (eg, trouble swallowing)


• if you have had high blood prolactin levels or a history of certain types of cancer (eg, breast, pancreas, pituitary), or if you are at risk of breast cancer


• if you are dehydrated, drink alcohol, or will be exposed to high temperatures


• if you have never taken paliperidone or risperidone

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Invega Sustenna. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Antiarrhythmics, (eg, amiodarone, flecainide, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol), arsenic, astemizole, chloroquine, cisapride, dofetilide, dolasetron, domperidone, haloperidol, macrolides (eg, erythromycin), maprotiline, methadone, pentamidine, phenothiazines, (eg, chlorpromazine, thioridazine), pimozide, quinolone antibiotics (eg, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin , gatifloxacin), romidepsin, streptogramins (eg, quinupristin/dalfopristin), tacrolimus, terfenadine, tetrabenazine, tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline), tyrosine kinase inhibitors (eg, nilotinib, sunitinib), or ziprasidone because the risk of irregular heartbeat may be increased


• Alpha-blockers (eg, doxazosin) or medicine for high blood pressure because the risk of low blood pressure and fainting may be increased


• Anticholinergics (eg, scopolamine) because the risk of overheating may be increased


• Oral paliperidone or risperidone because they may increase the risk of Invega Sustenna's side effects


• Carbamazepine because it may decrease Invega Sustenna's effectiveness


• Dopamine receptor agonists (eg, pramipexole) or levodopa because their effectiveness may be decreased by Invega Sustenna

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Invega Sustenna may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Invega Sustenna:

Use Invega Sustenna as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• An extra patient leaflet is available with Invega Sustenna. Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information.


• Invega Sustenna is given as an injection into the muscle at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic.


• Drinking extra fluids while you are taking Invega Sustenna is recommended. Check with your doctor for instructions.


• If you miss a dose of Invega Sustenna, contact your doctor right away.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Invega Sustenna.

Important safety information:

• Invega Sustenna may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or light-headedness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Invega Sustenna with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.


• Do not drink alcohol while you are using Invega Sustenna.


• Check with your doctor before you use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Invega Sustenna; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.


• Invega Sustenna may cause dizziness, light-headedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.


• Do not become overheated in hot weather or while you are being active; heatstroke may occur.


• Invega Sustenna may raise your blood sugar. High blood sugar may make you feel confused, drowsy, or thirsty. It can also make you flush, breathe faster, or have a fruit-like breath odor. If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor right away.


• Diabetes patients - Invega Sustenna may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.


• NMS is a possibly fatal syndrome that can be caused by Invega Sustenna. Symptoms may include fever; stiff muscles; confusion; abnormal thinking; fast or irregular heartbeat; and sweating. Contact your doctor at once if you have any of these symptoms.


• Some patients who take Invega Sustenna may develop muscle movements that they cannot control. This is more likely to happen in elderly patients, especially women. The chance that this will happen or that it will become permanent is greater in those who take Invega Sustenna in higher doses or for a long time. Muscle problems may also occur after short-term treatment with low doses. Tell your doctor at once if you have muscle problems with your arms; legs; or your tongue, face, mouth, or jaw (eg, tongue sticking out, puffing of cheeks, mouth puckering, chewing movements) while taking Invega Sustenna.


• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Invega Sustenna before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.


• Invega Sustenna may lower the ability of your body to fight infection. Avoid contact with people who have colds or infections. Tell your doctor if you notice signs of infection like fever, sore throat, rash, or chills.


• Invega Sustenna may increase the amount of a certain hormone (prolactin) in your blood. Symptoms may include enlarged breasts, missed menstrual period, decreased sexual ability, or nipple discharge. Contact your doctor right away if you experience any of these symptoms.


• Invega Sustenna may rarely cause a prolonged, painful erection. This could happen even when you are not having sex. If this is not treated right away, it could lead to permanent sexual problems such as impotence. Contact your doctor right away if this happens.


• Lab tests, including fasting blood sugar levels, complete blood cell counts, and blood cholesterol or lipid levels, may be performed while you use Invega Sustenna. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.


• Invega Sustenna may cause weight gain. Your weight may need to be monitored while you use Invega Sustenna.


• Use Invega Sustenna with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially uncontrolled muscles movements.


• Invega Sustenna should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 18 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.


• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of taking Invega Sustenna while you are pregnant. Using Invega Sustenna during the third trimester may result in uncontrolled muscle movements or withdrawal symptoms in the newborn. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor. Invega Sustenna is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while you are using Invega Sustenna.

Possible side effects of Invega Sustenna:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; headache; indigestion; lightheadedness; pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site; restlessness; sore throat; weakness; weight gain.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; unusual hoarseness); abnormal thoughts; behavior changes; chest pain; confusion; decreased sexual ability; decreased urination; enlarged breasts; fainting; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; increased saliva production or drooling; increased sweating; loss of consciousness; mental or mood changes; missed menstrual period; muscle cramps, pain, weakness, or stiffness; nipple discharge; one-sided weakness; prolonged, painful erection; seizures; severe or prolonged dizziness or headache; shortness of breath; slurred speech; suicidal thoughts or attempts; swelling of the hands, ankles, and feet; symptoms of high blood sugar (eg, increased thirst, hunger, or urination; unusual weakness); tremor; trouble concentrating, speaking, or swallowing; trouble urinating or inability to control urination; trouble sitting still; trouble walking or standing; uncontrolled muscle movements (eg, arm or leg movements, twitching of the face or tongue, jerking or twisting); unusual eye movements; vision problems.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.

See also: Invega Sustenna side effects (in more detail)

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; loss of consciousness; seizures; severe drowsiness or dizziness; stiffness of the face, limbs, or neck; trouble walking, speaking, or swallowing; unusual or uncontrolled muscle movement.

Proper storage of Invega Sustenna:

Invega Sustenna is usually handled and stored by a health care provider. If you are using Invega Sustenna at home, store Invega Sustenna as directed by your pharmacist or health care provider. Keep Invega Sustenna out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Invega Sustenna, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.


• Invega Sustenna is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.


• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.


• Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Invega Sustenna. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Issue Date: February 1, 2012

Database Edition 12.1.1.002

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

More Invega Sustenna resources

• Invega Sustenna Side Effects (in more detail)
• Invega Sustenna Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Invega Sustenna Drug Interactions
• Invega Sustenna Support Group
• 2 Reviews for Invega Sustenna - Add your own review/rating

• Invega Sustenna Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Invega Sustenna Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Paliperidone Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)


• Invega Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Invega Monograph (AHFS DI)


• Invega Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Invega Consumer Overview

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