DRUGS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Pimavanserin

March 21, 2017

Pimavanserin Oral tablet

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.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

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

  • liver 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

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with 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.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

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.

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

  • dofetilide

  • dronedarone

  • pimozide

  • ritonavir

  • thioridazine

  • ziprasidone

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

  • certain antibiotics like clarithromycin, gatifloxacin, moxifloxacin

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

  • certain medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, phenytoin

  • indinavir

  • other medicines for psychotic disturbances

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

  • rifampin

  • St. John's Wort

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

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.

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

  • 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 these to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome.):

  • constipation

  • fatigue

  • nausea

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Updated:  

March 21, 2017

Sources:  

U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert