cariprazine

What is the most important information I should know about cariprazine?

What is cariprazine?

Cariprazine is an antipsychotic medicine that is used to treat schizophrenia in adults.

Cariprazine is also used to treat manic or mixed episodes in adults with bipolar disorder type I.

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

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking cariprazine?

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart disease, high blood pressure;
• a stroke or blood clot;
• high cholesterol or triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood);
• liver or kidney disease;
• diabetes; or
• if you are dehydrated.

Taking antipsychotic medicine in the last 3 months of pregnancy may cause withdrawal symptoms, breathing problems, feeding problems, fussiness, tremors, and limp or stiff muscles in the newborn. If you get pregnant, tell your doctor right away. Do not stop taking cariprazine without your doctor's advice.

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

How should I take cariprazine?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

High doses or long-term use of cariprazine can cause a serious movement disorder that may not be reversible. The longer you use cariprazine, the more likely you are to develop this disorder, especially if you are an older adult. Symptoms of this disorder include tremors or other uncontrollable muscle movements.

You may take cariprazine with or without food.

Tell your doctor if you have any changes in weight while taking this medicine.

Your blood pressure and heart rate will need to be checked often. You may also need frequent blood tests.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while taking cariprazine?

While you are taking cariprazine, you may be more sensitive to temperature extremes such as very hot conditions. Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, especially in hot weather and during exercise.

What are the possible side effects of cariprazine?

• sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body);
• problems with vision or speech,
• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• severe distress or agitation;
• a seizure;
• uncontrolled muscle movements in your face (chewing, lip smacking, frowning, tongue movement, blinking or eye movement);
• trouble swallowing, or accidentally inhaling food or drink;
• low white blood cell counts --fever, chills, sore throat, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, cough, trouble breathing, feeling light-headed;
• high blood sugar --increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor; or
• severe nervous system reaction --very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, feeling like you might pass out.

Cariprazine can have long lasting effects on your body. Some side effects could occur for several weeks after you stop using this medicine. You may also have new side effects whenever your dose is changed.

Common side effects may include:

• involuntary muscle movements;
• upset stomach, vomiting;
• drowsiness; or
• feeling restless.

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.

What other drugs will affect cariprazine?

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

Many drugs can affect cariprazine. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about cariprazine.