Iloperidone

Iloperidone is a medication that helps treat schizophrenia in adults.

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

Iloperidone may also be used for other reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

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.

You may take iloperidone with or without food.

Your blood may need to be tested often, including your blood sugar and other medical tests. 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.

Iloperidone can affect your pupils. If you have a planned cataract surgery or another eye procedure, tell the surgeon you are using or have used this medicine.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

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

You should not use iloperidone if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• trouble swallowing;
• heart rhythm disorder such as slow heartbeats, recent heart attack, or heart failure;
• a stroke;
• if you are dehydrated;
• history of low white blood cells;
• glaucoma, cataracts, a planned eye surgery;
• 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.

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

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

Taking iloperidone in the last 3 months of pregnancy may cause serious problems in the newborn. Tell your doctor right away if you get pregnant. Do not stop the medicine without your doctor's advice.

Do not breastfeed while using iloperidone.

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

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.

Iloperidone may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:

• irregular heartbeats, fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest;
• feeling unusually hot, seizures, feeling light-headed, like you might pass out;
• uncontrolled muscle movements in your face (chewing, lip smacking, frowning, tongue movement, blinking or eye movement);
• breast swelling and tenderness, nipple discharge, loss of interest in sex, impotence, erectile dysfunction, difficulty having an orgasm, missed menstrual periods;
• trouble swallowing, tremors, slow muscle movement, muscle pain or stiffness;
• abnormal blood tests (high cholesterol or triglycerides), weight gain;
• loss of bladder control;
• high blood sugar— increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor;
• low blood cell counts— fever, chills, tiredness, mouth sores, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, shortness of breath;
• severe nervous system reaction— very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, feeling like you might pass out;
• signs of a stroke— sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), severe headache, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance; or
• painful erection or an erection that lasts 4 hours or longer.

Serious side effects may be more likely in older adults.

Common side effects of iloperidone may include:

• weight gain;
• dizziness, drowsiness, feeling tired;
• abnormal liver function tests;
• low blood pressure, feeling like you might pass out;
• 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 the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Usual Adult Dose for Schizophrenia:

Initial dose: 1 mg orally twice a dayMaintenance dose: 6 to 12 mg twice a dayMaximum dose: 24 mg/dayComments:-This drug must be titrated slowly to avoid orthostatic hypotension.-Control of symptoms may be delayed during the first 1 to 2 weeks of treatment because of the need to titrate slowly.-Treatment should be increased in increments of not more than 2 mg twice daily as tolerated.-Healthcare providers should periodically re-evaluate the long-term risks and benefits of the drug for the individual patient.Use: Treatment of schizophrenia

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

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

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Avoid driving or doing risky activities until you know how iloperidone will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired. Dizziness or drowsiness can lead to falls, accidents, or serious injuries.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather, or by not drinking enough fluids. Drink plenty of liquids while you are taking iloperidone.

Avoid drinking alcohol with this medicine.

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications together. Some drugs can change the levels of other drugs in your blood, which may increase side effects or make the medications work less well.

Iloperidone can cause a serious heart problem and very low blood pressure. Your risk may be higher if you also take certain other medications for infections, asthma, colds or allergies, heart problems, high blood pressure, depression, mental illness, cancer, malaria, or HIV.

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 other medicines you take.