iloperidone

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

What is iloperidone?

Iloperidone is an antipsychotic medication that is used to treat schizophrenia in adults.

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

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

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• trouble swallowing;
• long QT syndrome (in you or a family member);
• a seizure;
• diabetes, or risk factors such as being overweight or having a family history of diabetes;
• breast cancer;
• high cholesterol or triglycerides;
• an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood);
• low bone mineral density; or
• liver disease.

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

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

How should I take iloperidone?

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.

It may take up to 2 weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.

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

If you have stopped taking iloperidone for more than 3 days in a row, talk with your doctor before you start taking it again. You may need to restart the medicine at a lower dose.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while taking iloperidone?

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Dizziness or severe drowsiness can cause falls, fractures, or other injuries.

While you are taking iloperidone, you may be more sensitive to 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 iloperidone?

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

• fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest;
• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• uncontrolled muscle movements in your face (chewing, lip smacking, frowning, tongue movement, blinking or eye movement);
• tremors, slow muscle movement, muscles pain or stiffness;
• confusion, agitation, thoughts of hurting yourself;
• loss of bladder control;
• penis erection that is painful or lasts 4 hours or longer;
• high blood sugar --increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor;
• low white blood cell counts --fever, chills, sore throat, mouth sores, skin sores, cough, trouble breathing; or
• severe nervous system reaction --very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, feeling like you might pass out;

Older adults may be more likely to have side effects from this medicine.

Common side effects may include:

• weight gain;
• dizziness, drowsiness, tired feeling;
• dry mouth, stuffy nose; or
• fast heart rate.

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 iloperidone?

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 iloperidone. 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 iloperidone.