Invega Sustenna Side Effects

Serious Side Effects of Invega Sustenna

extreme dizziness and fainting
increase in blood sugar level and cholesterol levels
increase or decrease in heart rate, irregular heartbeats, seizures (convulsions)
trouble swallowing
feeling restless and unable to sit still
increased levels of prolactin which may produce breast milk, cause irregular or missed periods or make it more difficult to become pregnant; for men it may decrease libido, reduce the ability to have sex or produce sperm, and may cause swelling of the breasts
an erection lasting for more than 4 hours
neuroleptic malignant syndrome: stiff muscles, muscle pain, high fever, sweating more than usual, changes in thoughts or mood, and decreased or increased urine
uncontrolled muscle movement or muscle spasms, particularly of the face, lips or mouth area, tongue, arms or legs could indicate tardive dyskinesia
a new infection with symptoms of a fever, chills and sore throat
signs of a serious allergic reaction such as hives, rash, red or itchy skin, swelling of the tongue, throat, mouth or face and trouble breathing

Common Side Effects of Invega Sustenna

May cause feelings of dizziness, light-headedness, fatigue, or drowsiness.
Irritation, redness, pain or inflammation where the injection was given can occur.
Increase in weight, heartburn (indigestion), or headaches are also common when using this medication.

Warnings & Recalls for Invega Sustenna

Black Box Warning for Invega Sustenna

Invega Sustenna has been issued a box warning due to the increased risk for death in elderly patients who used this medication and suffer from dementia. This medication is not approved for use in elderly patients who suffer from this condition.

FDA and Invega

In September of 2011, the FDA approved safety labeling changes involving a warning about the increased risk of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular problems such as high blood pressure, high levels of lipid, and weight gain.

Invega Sustenna and Pregnancy

Invega Sustenna is an FDA pregnancy Category C medicine. Taking this drug during the last three months of pregnancy may cause muscle spasms or withdrawal symptoms in the newborn. Invega Sustenna can pass through breast-milk and should not be used while breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor before using Invega Sustenna if you are pregnant.

General Warnings

Invega Sustenna should not be used by anyone who is allergic to the ingredients of the treatment or anyone with the following conditions:

moderate or serious kidney problems or disorders
heart rhythm disorders
"Long QT Syndrome" (LQTS)
anyone who is taking antiarrythmics, phenothiazine drugs, particular quinolone antibiotics, or tetrabenazine

Let your doctor know about your medical history to be sure that you may safely use Invega Sustenna. Be sure to include information about any of the following you may have had:

any allergies
seizures or seizure-causing disorders
heart disorders or disease, heart attack, or stroke
problems with your blood vessels, low count of white blood cells, low blood volume, low potassium or magnesium levels
high cholesterol or triglyceride levels
high blood pressure or low blood pressure
kidney or liver disease or disorders
gastrointestinal issues, bowel or stomach problems or obstructions, trouble swallowing, if you are dehydrated or if you have persistent diarrhea
diabetes or if you are obese
any disease affecting the memory such as Alzheimer's disease or dementia
Parkinson's disease
any cancers or if you are prone to breast cancer
if you have ever used a medicine similar to Invega Sustenna

Invega Sustenna may affect your blood sugar levels. Have your blood checked frequently to ensure that Invega Sustenna is working safely. Use extreme caution in patients who are younger than 18, it may not be safe for these patients to use Invega Sustenna. Elderly patients may have an increased sensitivity to the side effects of Invega Sustenna.

What to Avoid While Using Invega Sustenna

Do not drink alcohol if you are receiving Invega Sustenna. Be aware that Invega Sustenna may cause dizziness and fatigue. Patients should avoid:

any activity that requires alertness unless they are certain of their reaction to the medicine
other sleep-inducing medicines
standing up too quickly
hot weather or activity that may cause your body temperature to raise to dangerous levels, you may become overheated
anyone who is sick or has an infection. Invega Sustenna may decrease the ability of your immune system.

Invega Sustenna Interactions

Let your healthcare provider know about all medicines you are using in order to avoid interactions. The following could affect your use of Invega Sustenna:

arsenic
anti-malaria drugs or antibiotics
pain relievers
transplant-rejection preventive medicines
antihistamines
Tardive Dyskinesia treatments
medications for heartburn
chemotherapy medicines
drugs for preventing nausea
medicines for controlling heart rhythm disorders, heart disease or
high-blood pressure treatments
anticholinergics
other products containing paliperidone or risperidone
carbamazepine or treatments for seizure-causing disorders
dopamine receptor agonists or any antipsychotics

Invega Sustenna Treatment and Use

Invega Sustenna | paliperidone palmitate is an atypical antipsychotic marketed by Janssen Pharmaceutical Company for treating and reducing symptoms of schizophrenia, a mental illness characterized by symptoms of strange or disturbing thoughts, abnormal and strong emotions, and a decreased interest in living. Invega Sustenna may reduce side effects of schizophrenia including:

hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not real)
paranoia (unexplained fear or suspicion)
delusional thoughts (not believing the truth or trusting what people say)
a desire to be alone

Invega Sustenna is only for patients who can tolerate paliperidone and other similar medicines.

Invega Sustenna should not be used by elderly patients with dementia-related mental illnesses.

How Does Invega Sustenna Work?

It is not fully known how Invega Sustenna works. However, the medicine is thought to work by interfering with dopamine activity which is believed to be abnormally high in patients with schizophrenia. By balancing dopamine in the brain and blocking serotonin receptors, Invega Sustenna is believed to aid in decreasing symptoms of this condition.

Invega Sustenna Dosage

Invega Sustenna is given as an injection into a muscle (in the upper arm or buttocks) to be received once each month. Invega Sustenna is administered by a healthcare professional who will help you remember to receive your medicine. Be sure to keep all scheduled appointments and continue taking Invega Sustenna unless your doctor has instructed you to end your use of this treatment.

Dosage and treatment vary according to the patient’s medical condition.

Other Names for Invega Sustenna

Brand name:

Invega Sustenna

Generic name:

paliperidone palmitate