Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Invega (Paliperidone).
Abnormal heart rhythms: Invega (Paliperidone) can cause abnormal heart rhythms. Certain medications (e.g., quinidine, procainamide, Amiodarone, Sotalol, Chlorpromazine, thioridazine, moxifloxacin) can increase the risk of a type of abnormal heart rhythm called QT prolongation and should not be used in combination with Invega (Paliperidone). People who have a slow heart rate, low potassium or magnesium levels, or have congenital prolongation of the QT interval are more at risk for this type of abnormal heart rhythm and its complications. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of using Invega (Paliperidone).
Blood Clots: Rarely, Invega (Paliperidone) increases the chance of blood clot formation, causing reduction of blood flow to organs or the extremities.
If you have a history of clotting, you may be at increased risk of experiencing blood clot-related problems such as Heart Attack, stroke, or clots in the deep veins of your leg. Discuss with your doctor how Invega (Paliperidone) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Invega (Paliperidone), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Blood counts: Invega (Paliperidone) can decrease the number of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell that helps fight infection), red blood cells (which carry oxygen), and platelets (which help your blood to clot). Your doctor will do blood tests to monitor this. If you notice any signs of infection (e.g., fever, chills, or sore throat) or unusual bleeding or bruising, contact your doctor immediately.
Body temperature: Invega (Paliperidone), like other antipsychotic medications, can disrupt the body's ability to control body temperature. People who exercise vigorously, who are exposed to extreme heat, are dehydrated, or are taking anticholinergic medications (e.g., Benztropine, Oxybutynin) are more at risk. Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you feel very hot and are unable to cool down while taking Invega (Paliperidone).
Cataract surgery: During eye surgery for Cataracts, people who take or have taken Invega (Paliperidone) are at risk for developing a condition called Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome (IFIS). This condition can lead to eye damage. If you are planning to have an operation on your eye, inform your doctor if you are taking or have taken Invega (Paliperidone).
Cholesterol: Invega (Paliperidone) can cause increased blood cholesterol levels. If you are at risk of developing High Cholesterol or you have high cholesterol levels before starting Invega (Paliperidone), discuss with your doctor how Invega (Paliperidone) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Invega (Paliperidone), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Diabetes and blood sugar: Invega (Paliperidone) may cause an increase in blood sugar levels and glucose tolerance may change. People with diabetes may find it necessary to monitor their blood sugar more frequently while using Invega (Paliperidone).
If you have diabetes or are at risk for developing diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Invega (Paliperidone) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Invega (Paliperidone), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you experience weakness, increased thirst, increased urination, and increased appetite while taking Invega (Paliperidone), contact your doctor.
Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Invega (Paliperidone) may affect the mental or physical abilities needed to drive or operate machinery. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous tasks until you have determined how Invega (Paliperidone) affects you.
Gastrointestinal problems: Invega (Paliperidone) should not be taken by people with conditions associated with narrowing of the gastrointestinal tract (e.g., esophagus disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, "short gut" syndrome, Cystic Fibrosis), or by people who have difficulty swallowing.
Heart conditions: If you have a heart condition, such as Angina, heart failure, irregular heartbeat, or you have had a heart attack, discuss with your doctor how Invega (Paliperidone) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Invega (Paliperidone), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Hypersensitivity syndrome: A severe allergic reaction called hypersensitivity syndrome has occurred for some people taking medications similar to Invega (Paliperidone). Stop taking the medication and get immediate medical attention if you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, including fever, severe rash, swollen glands, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or flu-like symptoms with skin rash or blistering.
Lactose intolerance: Certain strengths (3 mg tablets) of Invega (Paliperidone) tablets are prepared with lactose. If you have hereditary lactose or galactose intolerance problems you should not take this strength of the medication.
Kidney function: Kidney Disease or reduced kidney function may cause Invega (Paliperidone) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have reduced kidney function or kidney disease, discuss with your doctor how Invega (Paliperidone) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Invega (Paliperidone), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Low Blood Pressure: Invega (Paliperidone) may cause low blood pressure when rising from a sitting or lying down position. If you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or feel your pulse racing, call your doctor. While you are taking Invega (Paliperidone), get up slowly after you have been sitting or lying down for a prolonged period.
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS): Invega (Paliperidone), like other antipsychotic medications, can cause a potentially fatal syndrome known as NMS. If you experience the symptoms of NMS, such as high fever, muscle stiffness, confusion or loss of consciousness, sweating, racing or irregular heartbeat, and fainting, get immediate medical attention.
Parkinson's Disease: People with Parkinson's disease or Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) may be at an increased risk of NMS (see warning about NMS), as well as other side effects associated with Invega (Paliperidone). Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of using Invega (Paliperidone).
Risperidone: People who are taking risperidone should not take Invega (Paliperidone) at the same time. These medications are related, and taking them together may cause an increased risk of side effects.
Seizures: Invega (Paliperidone) may increase the risk of seizures, especially in people who have had seizures in the past. People who are at risk of seizures who take Invega (Paliperidone) should be closely monitored by their doctor. If you have had seizures, discuss with your doctor how Invega (Paliperidone) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Invega (Paliperidone), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Suicidal or agitated behaviour: People taking Invega (Paliperidone) may feel agitated (restless, anxious, aggressive, emotional, and feeling not like themselves), or they may want to hurt themselves or others. These symptoms may occur within several weeks after starting Invega (Paliperidone). If you experience these side effects or notice them in a family member who is taking Invega (Paliperidone), contact your doctor immediately. You should be closely monitored by your doctor for emotional and behaviour changes while taking Invega (Paliperidone).
Tardive dyskinesia (TD): TD, a syndrome consisting of potentially irreversible, involuntary, repetitive movements of the face and tongue muscles, may develop in people who take certain antipsychotic medications including Invega (Paliperidone). Although TD appears most commonly in seniors, especially women, it is impossible to predict who will develop TD. The risk of developing TD increases with higher doses and long-term treatment. If you experience muscle twitching or abnormal movements of the face or tongue, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Pregnancy: Invega (Paliperidone) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. Using Invega (Paliperidone) during the last three months of pregnancy can harm the developing baby and cause withdrawal symptoms after birth. If you become pregnant while taking Invega (Paliperidone), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: Invega (Paliperidone) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Invega (Paliperidone), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Invega (Paliperidone) have not been established for children under 18 years of age. Clinical studies using Invega (Paliperidone) to treat adolescents with schizophrenia have shown an increased likelihood of movement disorders occurring in this group.
Seniors: Medications similar to Invega (Paliperidone) can increase the risk of death as a result of a stroke, mini-stroke, and severe infection, when used to treat seniors with dementia. Invega (Paliperidone) should not be used to treat seniors with dementia.