Brand Name

Invega {Janssen}

Generic Name

paliperidone, pronounced pal ee PER i done

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Drug Guide

The information contained in the following drug guide is intended as an educational resource only. This guide is not exhaustive and does not contain all available information about this drug.This guide is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment.

The information provided in this guide does not replace the need for the advice and services of medical professionals or the need for medical examination. Always talk to your physician or pharmacist before taking any prescription medication or over the counter drugs (including any supplements) or before making any changes to your treatment. Only your doctor, nurse or pharmacist can provide you with safe and effective advice regarding your drug treatment.

The use of the information in this guide is at your sole risk. This information is provided "AS IS" with no warranties to accuracy or timeliness.

**All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

What is Invega?

Invega is an atypical antipsychotic medication that is used to treat schizophrenia. Invega is thought to work by changing the actions of chemicals in the brain.

Invega may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Key Facts About Invega

You should never take Invega in larger amounts then directed, or for longer than recommended by your doctor.

You should not use Invega for psychotic conditions related to dementia. Heart failure, sudden death, or pneumonia can occur in older adults with a dementia-related condition who take Invega.

You should not drink alcohol while taking Invega, as it may increase certain side effects of this medication, such as sleepiness.

Be aware that Invega may impair your reactions or thinking. You should be careful when driving or doing anything which requires you to be alert, especially when you first start Invega. Be careful when getting from a sitting or lying position, as Invega can cause dizziness. Be sure to get up slowly and safely to prevent falling.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Invega is in FDA pregnancy category C. It is known that taking an antipsychotic medication like Invega, especially during the last 3 months of pregnancy, may cause problems in your newborn, like withdrawal symptoms, breathing problems, feeding problems, tremors, fussiness, and stiff or limp muscles. You should be aware that if you stop taking Invega during your pregnancy you may have withdrawal symptoms. Consult with your doctor if you become pregnant while taking Invega. You should not breast-feed while taking Invega, as it is known that Invega can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby.

Be careful not to get too cold or become overheated or dehydrated, as Invega may cause you to be more sensitive to temperature extremes, such as very hot or cold conditions. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids, especially in hot weather and while you are exercising.

Before You Take Invega

If you are allergic to paliperidone, you should not take Invega.

Let your doctor know if you have a history of low white blood cell counts, a history of breast cancer or liver disease before you start taking Invega.

If you have epilepsy, seizures, kidney disease, a history of heart attack or stroke, or high or low blood pressure you should tell your doctor before taking Invega.

Tell your doctor before starting Invega if you have an electrolyte imbalance, such as low potassium or magnesium levels in your blood, high cholesterol or triglycerides, or a personal or family history of diabetes before you begin treatment with Invega. You may gain weight, have higher than normal blood sugar or have high cholesterol and triglycerides while taking Invega.

You should inform your doctor if you have a stomach or intestinal disorder, a history of suicidal thoughts, Parkinson’s disease or trouble swallowing to make sure that Invega is right for you.

You may be more prone to heat stroke while taking Invega. Be cautious about getting overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather.

Treatment with Invega is not to be used for patients with psychotic conditions related to dementia. The use of Invega for these patients may cause them extreme harm, such as heart failure, pneumonia, or even sudden death.

You should tell doctor if you have heart rhythm problems or a personal or family history of Long QT syndrome before taking Invega.

Invega Drug Interactions

You should inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following:

• antibiotics like clarithromycin (Biaxin), erythromycin (E.E.S., EryPed, Ery-Tab, Erythrocin, Pediazole), levofloxacin (Levaquin), moxifloxacin (Avelox) and pentamidine (NebuPent, Pentam)
• antidepressants like amitriptylline (Elavil, Vanatrip, Limbitrol), clomipramine (Anafranil) and desipramine (Norpramin)
• anti-malaria medications like chloroquine (Arelan) and mefloquine (Lariam)
• arsenic trioxide (Trisenox)
• blood pressure medications
• carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol)
• droperidol (Inapsine)
• heart rhythm medications like amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone), dofetilide (Tikosyn), disopyramide (Norpace), ibutilide (Corvert), procainamide (Procan, Pronestyl), propafenone (Rythmol), quinidine (Quin-G) and sotalol (Betapace)
• levodopa (Sinemet, Larodopa, Atamet)
• narcotic medications like methadone (Methadose, Diskets, Dolophine)
• nausea and vomiting medications, like dolasetron (Anzemet) and ondansetron (Zofran)
• pramipexole (Mirapex)
• psychiatric medications like chlorpromazine (Thorazine), clozapine (FazaClo, Clozaril), haloperidol (Haldol), pimozide (Orap), thioridazine (Mellaril) and ziprasidone (Geodon)
• ropinirole (Requip)
• sumatriptan (Imitrex, Treximet)
• zolmitriptan (Zomig)

Other drugs you take that are not listed may interact with Invega. You should tell your doctor about all of the medications you use. This includes prescription drugs, vitamins, supplements and herbal products, and over the counter medications. You should not begin taking a new medication without telling your doctor first.

Directions for Taking Invega

You should take Invega exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take Invega in larger or smaller amounts, or for shorter or longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

You should not break, chew or crush the Invega extended release tablet.

You can take Invega with or without food.

You should take Invega once daily in the morning.

Invega is a part of a program that your doctor has prescribed which may include counseling and other psychological support program. Follow your doctor’s instructions exactly and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse while using Invega.

Be aware that Invega may cause you to have high blood sugar, also called hyperglycemia. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of hyperglycemia like increased thirst, excessive hunger, excessive urination or weakness. If you are a diabetic you should check your blood sugar levels on a regular basis while you are taking Invega.

Do not stop using Invega without consulting your doctor, as you may experience adverse side effects if you stop taking this medication suddenly. Your doctor may change your dosage of Invega throughout the course of your treatment, and you should follow his or her instructions carefully.

Invega needs to be stored at room temperature, and away from light, moisture and heat.

If you miss a dose of Invega you should attempt to take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose do not take the missed dose in addition to your regular dose.

Invega Side Effects

If you experience any of the following adverse effects you should stop taking Invega and seek emergency medical help immediately:

• allergic reaction such as breathing difficulties, hives, swelling of your face, lips, throat or tongue
• flu like symptoms, like fever, chills and body aches
• headache that is sudden and severe and mayinclude problems with your vision, speech, or balance
• numbness or weakness which is sudden, especially if nit is on one side of your body
• sores or white patches in your throat or mouth
• stiff and rigid muscles with a high fever, tremors, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeat, slow heart rate or feeling like you might pass out
• suicidal thoughts or thoughts about hurting yourself
• trouble swallowing
• tremors
• twitching or uncontrollable movements of your eyes, lips, tongue, face, arms, or legs

Less serious side effects of Invega may include:

• blurry vision
• breast swelling or discharge (in women or men)
• decreased sex drive
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• dry mouth
• headache
• impotence
• menstrual period changes
• nausea
• tremor or restlessness (mild)
• upset stomach
• weight gain

It should be noted that this is not a complete list of possible side effects of Invega. You should contact your physician for a complete list and medical advice regarding these effects.

Invega Description and Dosing

Invega is available as extended release tablets in dosages of 1.5 mg, 3 mg, 6 mg and 9 mg. The 1.5 mg tablet is an orange-brown color, the 3 mg tablet is white, the 6 mg tablet is beige and the 9 mg tablet is pink. The tablets are all capsule shaped and imprinted with either “PAL 1.5”, “PAL 3”, “PAL 6”, or “PAL 9”.

Invega is prescribed differently for each patient and their unique condition. You should not attempt to alter or change your dose without your physician’s consent.

If you suspect that you have overdosed with Invega you should seek emergency help immediately.

Ingredients in Invega

The primary active ingredient in Invega is paliperidone. Inactive ingredients include carnauba wax, cellulose acetate, hydroxyethyl cellulose,propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, polyethylene oxides, povidone, sodium chloride, stearic acid, butylated hydroxytoluene, hypromellose, titanium dioxide, and iron oxides. The 3 mg tablets also contain lactose monohydrate and triacetin.

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The information contained in this drug guide is intended as an educational resource only. This guide is not exhaustive and does not contain all available information about this drug.This guide is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment.

The information provided in this guide does not replace the need for the advice and services of medical professionals or the need for medical examination. Always talk to your physician or pharmacist before taking any prescription medication or over the counter drugs (including any supplements) or before making any changes to your treatment. Only your doctor, nurse or pharmacist can provide you with safe and effective advice regarding your drug treatment.

The use of the information in this guide is at your sole risk. This information is provided "AS IS" with no warranties to accuracy or timeliness.

**All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.