Paliperidone (injection)

Generic name: paliperidone (injection) [ PAL-ee-PER-i-DONE ]
Brand names: Invega Hafyera, Invega Sustenna, Invega Trinza
Dosage form: intramuscular suspension, extended release (1092 mg/3.5 mL; 117 mg/0.75 mL; 156 mg/mL; 1560 mg/5 mL; 234 mg/1.5 mL; 273 mg/0.88 mL; 39 mg/0.25 mL; 410 mg/1.32 mL; 546 mg/1.75 mL; 78 mg/0.5 mL; 819 mg/2.63 mL)
Drug class: Atypical antipsychotics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on May 23, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is paliperidone?

Paliperidone is used in adults to treat schizophrenia. Paliperidone is also used alone or with other medicines to treat schizoaffective disorder in adults.

Paliperidone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Paliperidone side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any of these signs of a serious movement disorder:

• tremors or shaking in your arms or legs;

• uncontrolled muscle movements in your face (chewing, lip smacking, frowning, tongue movement, blinking or eye movement); or

• any new or unusual muscle movements you cannot control.

Paliperidone may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• low blood pressure, fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness (like you might pass out);

• problems with thinking or feeling unsteady;

• trouble swallowing;

• seizure;

• breast swelling and tenderness, nipple discharge;

• high cholesterol, weight gain;

• fever, chills, sore throat, mouth sores, feeling light-headed;

• irregular blood cell counts;

• high blood sugar--increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor;

• severe nervous system reaction--very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, feeling like you might pass out;

• impotence, or erection that is painful or lasts longer than 4 hours; or

• changes in your menstrual periods.

Common side effects of paliperidone may include:

• headache, dizziness, drowsiness;

• cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat;

• feeling restless or excited;

• muscle stiffness, tremors or shaking;

• uncontrolled muscle movements, problems with speech or walking;

• problems with balance or eye movement;

• weight gain;

• upset stomach, constipation;

• fast heart rate; or

• pain, bruising, swelling, or irritation where the medicine was injected.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

Rexulti, Vraylar, fluoxetine, quetiapine, aripiprazole, Abilify, Seroquel

Warnings

Paliperidone is not approved for use in older adults with dementia-related psychosis.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use paliperidone if you are allergic to paliperidone or to risperidone (Risperdal).

Paliperidone may increase the risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis and is not approved for this use.

High doses or long-term use of paliperidone can cause a serious movement disorder that may not be reversible. The longer you use paliperidone, the more likely you are to develop this disorder, especially if you are a woman or an older adult.

Before you receive your first injection, tell your doctor if you have never taken oral (by mouth) paliperidone or risperidone.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart problems, or a heart attack;

• long QT syndrome (in you or a family member);

• high or low blood pressure, or fainting spells;

• low white blood cell (WBC) counts;

• a serious neurologic disorder caused by taking an antipsychotic medicine;

• uncontrolled muscle movements in your face (chewing, lip smacking, frowning, tongue movement, blinking or eye movement);

• seizures or epilepsy;

• an electrolyte imbalance (such as low blood levels of potassium or magnesium);

• diabetes (in you or a family member);

• cancer of the breast; or

• liver or kidney disease.

It is not known if paliperidone will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Using antipsychotic medicine in the last 3 months of pregnancy may cause serious problems in the newborn. Tell your doctor right away if you get pregnant.

If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of paliperidone on the baby.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.

How is paliperidone given?

Paliperidone is injected into a muscle. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Invega Sustenna is usually given only once per month, but the first two doses are given 1 week apart.

Invega Trinza is usually given once every 3 months, after you have used Invega Sustenna for at least 4 months in a row.

Invega Hafyera is usually given once every 6 months, after you have used Invega Sustenna for at least 4 months in a row or Invega Trinza for at least one cycle.

Remain under the care of a doctor while using paliperidone. Use paliperidone regularly for the best results.

Your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your paliperidone injection.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include drowsiness, feeling unsteady, fast or pounding heartbeats, and feeling like you might pass out.

What should I avoid while receiving paliperidone?

Avoid drinking alcohol. Dangerous side effects could occur.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise, in hot weather, or by not drinking enough fluids. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink.

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how paliperidone will affect you. Dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries.

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.

What other drugs will affect paliperidone?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medicines at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you use, which may increase side effects or make the medicines less effective.

Many drugs can affect paliperidone. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

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Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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