What is Invega sustenna?
Invega sustenna, an antipsychotic medication with extended release, is administered intramuscularly. Invega sustenna is a prescription medication used to treat schizophrenia among adults.
Invega sustenna can also be used to treat schizoaffective disorders in adult patients. After receiving your first invega sustenna dose, you will be required to receive a second one a week later. You will then only need one injection per month.
Warnings
Invega sustenna has not been approved for older adults with related psychosis or dementia. Invega sustenna can cause dizziness, sleepiness, and a feeling of instability. It can lead to a fall, which could cause a broken bone or other health issues. If you've been lying or sitting down, slowly rise up to reduce the risk of dizziness or fainting. Take care when climbing and descending stairs.
A severe muscle disorder called tardive dyskinesia can affect some people. The problem may go away or lessen after stopping invega sustenna. However, it may persist. Diabetes and older adults, particularly older women, are at higher risk. It is more likely to occur with prolonged use or high doses. However, it can also happen with short-term usage and low doses. If you are having trouble controlling your body movements or if your face, jaw, tongue, or cheeks have problems, such as your tongue sticking out or puffing up, call your doctor immediately.
With drugs such as this one, low white blood cell counts can occur. This could increase the risk of infection. Infections can be fatal. If you've ever had low white blood cells, tell your doctor. If you experience symptoms of infection such as fever, chills, or a sore throat, call your doctor immediately.
Before you take this drug
Invega sustenna should not be used if you have an allergy to invega sustenna or to risperdal.
Invega is not approved to be used in this way. It may increase the risk of death among older adults who have dementia-related psychosis.
Paliperidone in high doses or for a long time can cause serious movement disorders that are not always reversible. Invega sustenna can cause serious movement disorders, which may not be reversible. Tell your doctor before you receive your first invega sustenna injection if you've never taken risperidone or invega sustenna by mouth.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that invega sustenna will be safe for you:
- Heart problems or an attack
- Long-qt syndrome
- High or low blood pressure or fainting spells
- Low white blood cell counts
- A serious neurologic disorder that is caused by antipsychotic medication;
- Uncontrolled facial muscle movements
- Liver or kidney disease
- Seizures or epilepsy;
- An electrolyte imbalance is a low potassium or magnesium level in the blood.
- Paliperidone may increase your blood sugar; or
- Breast cancer.
Invega sustenna can cause pregnancy. If you plan to get pregnant, tell your doctor.
Antipsychotic medication used in the last three months of pregnancy can cause respiratory problems, feeding difficulties, or withdrawal symptoms for the newborn. You may experience withdrawal symptoms or have other problems if your medication is stopped during pregnancy. If you get pregnant, tell your doctor right away. Do not stop using invega sustenna unless your doctor has advised you to. You may find your name on a registry for pregnant women to monitor the effects of the drug on the child.
Invega sustenna may cause problems if breast-feeding is attempted. You should consult your doctor if you are concerned about any risks. Invega sustenna cannot be used by anyone under the age of 18.
How to take Invega sustenna?
Invega sustenna is administered by injection into the muscle. This injection will be given by a healthcare provider. Invega sustenna should be taken only once a month. The first two doses, however, are separated by one week. Invegatrinza should be given every three months after using invegasustenna for four months.
Do not forget to follow your doctor's instructions. Invega sustennas should be taken regularly for maximum benefit. Invega sustenna should be monitored by your doctor.
Details on dosage
Adult dose of invega sustenna:
Extended-release injection for 1 month:
before starting treatment with the paliperidone injectable extended-release suspension, patients should first establish their tolerance to oral paliperidone and oral risperidone.
In the us, the dosage is the same as in canada. However, in canada, the paliperidone injectable suspension is administered as a salt (paliperidone palmitate) and in the us as a base (paliperidone).
Paliperidone palmitate:
initial dosage: 234 mg im on day 1, followed by 156 mg im a week later. Administer im to the deltoid muscles.
Maintenance dose: 117 mg im monthly; administer into the deltoid or gluteal muscles.
Dose range: 39–234 mg, depending on the patient's tolerability and effectiveness; adjustments to dose may be made every month, but full effects may not be apparent for several months.
Maximum dose: 234 mg/month
paliperidone (base):
initial dosage: 150 mg im on day 1, followed by 100 mg in a week later. Administer im to the deltoid muscles.
Maintenance dose: 75 mg im monthly; administer into the deltoid or gluteal muscles.
-dosage range: 25 to 150 mg, depending on the patient's tolerability and effectiveness; adjustments to dose may be made every month, but full effects may not be apparent for several months.
Comments:
the maintenance dose window is seven days before or following the monthly time point.
If a dose is not taken during the initial titration phase or in maintenance, consult the section on dosage adjustments for further guidance.
Usual adult dose of invega sustenna for schizoaffective disorder:
Extended-release injection for 1 month:
before starting treatment with the paliperidone injectable extended-release suspension, patients should first establish their tolerance to oral paliperidone and oral risperidone.
In the us, the dosage is the same as in canada. However, in canada, the paliperidone injectable suspension is administered as a salt (paliperidone palmitate) and in the us as a base (paliperidone).
Paliperidone palmitate:
first dose: 234 mg im on day 1, followed by 156 mg im a week later. Administer im to the deltoid muscles.
Dose adjustments may be done monthly. However, the full effect of treatment may not be apparent for several months.
Maximum dose: 234 mg/month
paliperidone (base):
initial dosage: 150 mg im on day 1, followed by 100 mg in a week later. Administer im to the deltoid muscles.
Dose range: from 50 to 150 mg, depending on the patient's tolerability and effectiveness; adjustments to dose may be made every month, but full effects may not be apparent for several months.
Comments:
the maintenance doses can be taken 7 days prior to or after the monthly time point.
If a dose is not taken during the initial titration phase or in maintenance, consult the section on dosage adjustments for further guidance.
Use: treatment for schizoaffective disorders as monotherapy or as an adjunct to mood stabilizers and/or antidepressants
What happens if i miss the dose?
If you missed your appointment for invega sustenna, call your doctor to get instructions.
What happens if i overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
Overdose symptoms include head pain accompanied by chest pain. Other symptoms are a fast or pounding pulse, severe nausea, and severe vomiting.
What should be avoided?
Don't drink alcohol. Alcohol can have dangerous side effects. You may be more sensitive in very hot temperatures if you use invega sustenna. Avoid overheating or becoming dehydrated. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids during hot weather or when exercising.
Invega sustenna can cause you to feel dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving and other hazardous activities until you are sure how they will affect you. Dizziness and drowsiness may cause accidents or serious injuries. You may get dizzy if you stand up quickly from a seated or lying position.
Side effects of invega sustenna
If you experience any of the following: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat, contact an emergency medical professional immediately.
Inform your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following signs of a serious disorder of movement:
- You may experience tremors in your legs or arms.
- Uncontrolled facial muscle movements (chewing, lip smacking, frowning, or tongue movement);
- Any new or unusual muscular movements that you cannot control
If you experience:
- Heartbeats that are fast or pounding, chest fluttering, dizziness, and shortness of breath (like you could pass out);
- Trouble swallowing
- A seizure (convulsions);
- Breast swelling (in women or men), nipple discharge;
- Changes in menstrual cycles
- Impotence or penis erection lasting 4 hours or more;
- Weight gain
- Feeling light-headed, having a fever, and having sore throat and mouth sores
- High blood sugar: increased thirst, increased urination, and hunger; or
- Severe nervous reaction: stiff muscles, fever, rapid or pounding pulses, fainting
Common invega sustenna side effects may include:
- Dizziness, drowsiness;
- Cold symptoms like stuffy noses, sneezing, and sore throats;
- Feeling restless or anxious
- Muscle stiffness or tremors
- Uncontrolled muscle movements; difficulty with walking, balance, or speech
- You may have abnormal eye movements.
- Weight gain
- Upset stomach, constipation;
- Rapid heart rate
- Pain or tenderness at the injection site.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The fda can be contacted at 1-800-fda-1088 to report side effects.
Interaction with other drug
It is sometimes not safe to take certain medications together. Some drugs may affect the blood levels of drugs that you are taking, causing side effects or making them less effective.
Invega sustenna can be affected by many drugs. These include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all possible interactions. Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking and those that you will stop or start using.
