Invega Sustenna is not approved for use in older adults with dementia-related psychosis.
Dizziness, sleepiness, and feeling less stable may happen with Invega Sustenna. This may lead to falling, which can cause broken bones or other health problems. To lower the chance of feeling dizzy or passing out, rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down. Be careful going up and down stairs.
Some people may get a severe muscle problem called tardive dyskinesia. This problem may lessen or go away after stopping Invega Sustenna, but it may not go away. The risk is greater with diabetes and in older adults, especially older women. The risk is greater with longer use or higher doses, but it may also occur after short-term use with low doses. Call your doctor right away if you have trouble controlling body movements or problems with your tongue, face, mouth, or jaw like tongue sticking out, puffing cheeks, mouth puckering, or chewing.
Low white blood cell counts have happened with drugs like this one. This may lead to a higher chance of infection. Rarely, infections have been deadly. Tell your doctor if you have ever had a low white blood cell count. Call your doctor right away if you have signs of infection like fever, chills, or sore throat.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Invega Sustenna if you are allergic to Invega Sustenna or to risperidone (Risperdal).
Invega Sustenna 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 Invega Sustenna, 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) Invega Sustenna or risperidone.
To make sure Invega Sustenna is safe for you, 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;
liver or kidney disease;
seizures or epilepsy;
an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood);
diabetes (paliperidone may raise your blood sugar); or
breast cancer.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using Invega Sustenna.
Using antipsychotic medicine in the last 3 months of pregnancy may cause breathing problems, feeding problems, or withdrawal symptoms in the newborn. However, you may have withdrawal symptoms or other problems if you stop using your medicine during pregnancy. If you get pregnant, tell your doctor right away. Do not stop using Invega Sustenna without your doctor's advice.
If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of paliperidone on the baby.
It may not be safe to breastfeed while using Invega Sustenna. Ask your doctor about any risk.
Invega Sustenna is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
How is Invega Sustenna given?
Invega Sustenna 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.
Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully. Get your Invega Sustennas regularly to get the most benefit.
Your doctor will need to check your progress while you are using Invega Sustenna.
