DRUGS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Pimavanserin oral tablet or capsule

December 04, 2020

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Pimavanserin oral tablet or capsule

What is this medicine?

PIMAVANSERIN (Pi ma VAN ser in) is used to treat hallucinations (hearing voices, seeing things that are not there) and delusions (having beliefs that are not true) associated with Parkinson's disease.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the capsules whole. You can take it with or without food. You may open the capsule and put the contents in 1 tablespoon of applesauce, yogurt, pudding, or a liquid nutritional supplement. Swallow the medicine and food mixture right away. Do not chew the medicine or food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. This medicine is not approved for use in children.

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

  • breathing problems

  • confusion

  • falls

  • increase in hallucination, loss of contact with reality

  • loss of balance or coordination

  • signs and symptoms of a dangerous change in heartbeat or heart rhythm like chest pain; dizziness; fast or irregular heartbeat; palpitations; feeling faint or lightheaded, falls; breathing problems

  • swelling of the ankles, feet, hands

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

  • constipation

  • drowsiness

  • nausea

  • tiredness

What may interact with this medicine?

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

  • certain medicines for fungal infections like fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole

  • cisapride

  • dronedarone

  • pimozide

  • thioridazine

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

  • carbamazepine

  • certain antivirals for HIV or hepatitis like ritonavir

  • certain antibiotics like clarithromycin, gatifloxacin, moxifloxacin

  • certain medicines for irregular heart beat like amiodarone, disopyramide, propafenone, quinidine, sotalol

  • fosphenytoin

  • modafinil

  • nafcillin

  • phenobarbital

  • primidone

  • phenytoin

  • other medicines for psychotic disturbances

  • 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). 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:

  • dementia

  • heart disease

  • history of irregular heartbeat

  • kidney disease

  • low levels of magnesium or potassium in the blood

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to pimavanserin, 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. Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

Updated:  

December 04, 2020