Paliperidone oral tablets, extend release

October 16, 2020

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Paliperidone oral tablets, extend release

What is this medicine?

PALIPERIDONE (pal ee PER i done) is used to treat schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not chew, crush, or cut the tablets. You can take this medicine with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 12 years old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

  • breast enlargement in both males and females

  • breathing problems

  • confusion

  • fast, irregular heartbeat

  • fever or chills, sore throat

  • inability to keep still

  • males: prolonged or painful erection

  • missed menstrual periods

  • problems with balance, talking, walking

  • seizures

  • signs and symptoms of high blood sugar such as being more thirsty or hungry or having to urinate more than normal. You may also feel very tired or have blurry vision

  • signs and symptoms of low blood pressure like dizziness; feeling faint or lightheaded, falls; unusually weak or tired

  • signs and symptoms of neuroleptic malignant syndrome like confusion; fast or irregular heartbeat; high fever; increased sweating; stiff muscles

  • sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg

  • suicidal thoughts or other mood changes

  • trouble swallowing

  • uncontrollable movements of the arms, face, head, mouth, neck, or upper body

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • change in sex drive or performance

  • drowsiness

  • dry mouth

  • headache

  • nausea

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

  • cisapride

  • dronedarone

  • fluconazole

  • pimozide

  • thioridazine

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

  • alcohol

  • carbamazepine

  • certain medicines for anxiety, depression, or psychotic disturbances

  • certain medicines for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heart beat

  • certain medications for Parkinson's disease like levodopa, bromocriptine, ropinirole, and pramipexole

  • certain medicines for sleep

  • narcotic pain medicines

  • other medicines that prolong the QT interval (cause an abnormal heart rhythm) like dofetilide

  • rifampin

  • St. John's Wort

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • chronic constipation or diarrhea

  • dementia

  • diabetes or family history of diabetes

  • history of stroke

  • irregular heartbeat or low blood pressure

  • kidney disease

  • liver disease

  • stomach problems like adhesions, bowel disease, short gut, trouble swallowing

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to paliperidone, risperidone, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. It may be several weeks before you see the full effects. Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine. You may need to gradually reduce the dose. Only stop taking this medicine on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

This drug can cause problems with controlling your body temperature. It can lower the response of your body to cold temperatures. If possible, stay indoors during cold weather. If you must go outdoors, wear warm clothes. It can also lower the response of your body to heat. Do not overheat. Do not over-exercise. Stay out of the sun when possible. If you must be in the sun, wear cool clothing. Drink plenty of water. If you have trouble controlling your body temperature, call your health care provider right away.

This medicine may increase blood sugar. Ask your healthcare provider if changes in diet or medicines are needed if you have diabetes.

The tablet shell for some brands of this medicine does not dissolve. This is normal. The tablet shell may appear whole in the stool. This is not a cause for concern.

Updated:  

October 16, 2020