Latuda

For the treatment of schizophrenia, the usual recommended starting dose is 40 mg once a day. Your dose may be increased depending on how you respond to the medication. Many people experience benefit from Latuda (Lurasidone) at 40 mg or 80 mg daily. The maximum recommended dose for adolescents is 80 mg daily.

For the treatment of depression associated with bipolar disorder, the usual recommended starting dose is 20 mg once daily. Your doctor may increase your dose depending on how well you respond to treatment. Many people experience benefit from Latuda (Lurasidone) at doses of 20 mg to 60 mg daily. The maximum recommended dose for adolescents is 80 mg daily.

Latuda (Lurasidone) should be taken with food (at least 350 calories) and swallowed whole with water at approximately the same time each day. Do not stop taking Latuda (Lurasidone) or change the time of the day you take it without consulting your doctor. Do not crush or cut the tablets.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important that Latuda (Lurasidone) be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor to ensure that you are getting the maximum benefit from the medication. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Latuda (Lurasidone) at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

In addition to its desired action, this medication may cause some adverse effects, notably: it may cause spots or redness of the skin; it may cause either drowsiness or excitability - use caution until you know how you will react; it may cause nausea or, rarely, vomiting; occasionally, it may cause trembling and involuntary movements (also known as dyskinesia). Each person may react differently to a treatment. If you think this medication may be causing adverse effects (including those described here, or others), talk to your health care professional. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.

20 mg
Each white-to-off-white, round tablet, debossed with "L20" on one side, contains 20 mg of Latuda (Lurasidone) hydrochloride. Nonmedicinal ingredients: carnauba wax, croscarmellose sodium, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, mannitol, pregelatinized starch, and Opadry (hypromellose, titanium dioxide, and polyethylene glycol).

40 mg
Each white-to-off-white, round tablet, debossed with "L40" on one side, contains 40 mg of Latuda (Lurasidone) hydrochloride. Nonmedicinal ingredients: carnauba wax, croscarmellose sodium, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, mannitol, pregelatinized starch, and Opadry (hypromellose, titanium dioxide, and polyethylene glycol).

60 mg
Each white-to-off-white, capsule-shaped tablet, debossed with "L60" on one side, contains 60 mg of Latuda (Lurasidone) hydrochloride. Nonmedicinal ingredients: carnauba wax, croscarmellose sodium, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, mannitol, pregelatinized starch, and Opadry (hypromellose, titanium dioxide, and polyethylene glycol).

80 mg
Each pale green, oval tablet, debossed with "L80" on one side, contains 80 mg of Latuda (Lurasidone) hydrochloride. Nonmedicinal ingredients: carnauba wax, croscarmellose sodium, FD&C Blue No. 2 Aluminum Lake, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, mannitol, pregelatinized starch, Opadry (hypromellose, titanium dioxide, and polyethylene glycol), and yellow ferric oxide.

120 mg
Each white-to-off-white, oval tablet, debossed with "L120" on one side, contains 120 mg of Latuda (Lurasidone) hydrochloride. Nonmedicinal ingredients: carnauba wax, croscarmellose sodium, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, mannitol, pregelatinized starch, and Opadry (hypromellose, titanium dioxide, and polyethylene glycol).

Do not take Latuda (Lurasidone) if you:

• are allergic to Latuda (Lurasidone) or any ingredients of the medication
• are taking certain medications that interact with Latuda (Lurasidone) (e.g., ketoconazole or rifampin)

For a complete list of interactions, see the "What other drugs could interact with Latuda (Lurasidone)?" section.

There may be an interaction between Latuda (Lurasidone) and any of the following:

• alcohol
• Aliskiren
• alpha-agonists (e.g., Clonidine, methyldopa)
• amiodarone
• amphetamines (e.g., Dextroamphetamine, Lisdexamfetamine, methamphetamine)
• angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs; Captopril, Ramipril)
• angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs; e.g., Candesartan, Irbesartan, Losartan)
• antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, doxylamine, Diphenhydramine, Hydroxyzine, Loratadine)
• anti-Parkinsons medications (e.g., amantadine, Apomorphine, Bromocriptine, levodopa, Pramipexole, Ropinirole)
• antipsychotics (e.g., Chlorpromazine, Clozapine, Haloperidol, Olanzapine, Quetiapine, Risperidone)
• Apalutamide
• Aprepitant
• azelastine
• "azole" antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole, fluconazole, itraconazole)
• barbiturates (e.g., pentobarbital, Phenobarbital)
• benzodiazepines (e.g., Alprazolam, Diazepam, Lorazepam, midazolam)
• beta-adrenergic blockers (e.g., Atenolol, Propranolol, Sotalol)
• Bosentan
• brimonidine
• bromocriptine
• Buprenorphine
• Bupropion
• Cabergoline
• calcium channel blockers (e.g., Amlodipine, Diltiazem, Nifedipine, Verapamil)
• cannabis
• Ceritinib
• chloral hydrate
• Cobicistat
• conivaptan
• Crizotinib
• Dabrafenib
• Deferasirox
• diabetes medications (e.g., Canagliflozin, Glyburide, insulin, Linagliptin, Lixisenatide, Metformin, Rosiglitazone)
• Disopyramide
• diuretics (e.g., Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide)
• Donepezil
• Dronedarone
• Elagolix
• Enzalutamide
• Epinephrine
• Flibanserin
• Galantamine
• general anesthetics (medications used to put people to sleep before surgery)
• grapefruit juice
• HIV non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (e.g., efavirenz, etravirine, nevirapine)
• HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., atazanavir, indinavir, lopinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir)
• Idelalisib
• imatinib
• lithium
• Lomitapide
• lumacaftor and Ivacaftor
• macrolide antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin, erythromycin)
• Methadone
• Methylphenidate
• Metoclopramide
• mifepristone
• Mirtazapine
• Mitotane
• Modafinil
• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (M.O.S. e.g., Moclobemide, Phenelzine, Rasagiline, Selegiline, Tranylcypromine)
• muscle relaxants (e.g., Baclofen, Cyclobenzaprine, methocarbamol, orphenadrine)
• Nabilone
• narcotic pain relievers (e.g., Codeine, Fentanyl, Morphine, Oxycodone)
• Nilotinib
• procainamide
• quinidine
• Ribociclib
• rifabutin
• rifampin
• Rivastigmine
• St. John's wort
• Sarilumab
• scopolamine
• seizure medications (e.g., Carbamazepine, Gabapentin, Levetiracetam, Phenytoin, Topiramate)
• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs; e.g., Citalopram, Fluoxetine, Paroxetine, Sertraline)
• serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs; e.g., Desvenlafaxine, Duloxetine, Venlafaxine)
• siltuximab
• Stiripentol
• Tapentadol
• Tetrabenazine
• tetrahydrocannabinol
• thalidomide
• Tocilizumab
• Tramadol
• Trazodone
• tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., Amitriptyline, Clomipramine, Desipramine, Trimipramine)
• Tryptophan
• Zolpidem
• Zopiclone

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Latuda (Lurasidone). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Latuda (Lurasidone).

Blood clots: Latuda (Lurasidone) may increase the risk of blood clots, especially in the lower leg. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have risk factors for developing blood clots (e.g., a family history of blood clots, recent major surgery, immobility due to air travel or other reason). Contact your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms such as sharp pain and swelling in the leg, difficulty breathing, chest pain, blurred vision, or difficulty speaking.

Body temperature: Latuda (Lurasidone), like other antipsychotic medications, can disrupt the body's ability to control body temperature. People who exercise vigorously, who are exposed to extreme heat, are dehydrated, or are taking anticholinergic medications (e.g., Benztropine, Oxybutynin) are more at risk. Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you feel very hot and are unable to cool.

Diabetes: Latuda (Lurasidone), like other similar medications, can increase blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes or are at risk for diabetes (e.g., family history of diabetes, Obesity), discuss with your doctor how Latuda (Lurasidone) may affect your medical condition and whether any special monitoring is needed. If you develop symptoms of high blood sugar (e.g., excessive thirst or hunger, weakness, confusion, weight loss), contact your doctor.

Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Latuda (Lurasidone) may affect the mental or physical abilities needed to drive or operate machinery. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous tasks until you have determined how Latuda (Lurasidone) affects you.

Falls: Some of the side effects of Latuda (Lurasidone) can contribute to falls. Pay attention to the side effects that you experience and talk to your doctor or pharmacist about ways to reduce the risk of falling.

Heart conditions: Do not take Latuda (Lurasidone) if you have a history of abnormal heart rhythms (including QT prolongation), slow heartbeat, or low potassium or magnesium levels, or if you are taking a medication that can cause QT prolongation (e.g., quinidine, procainamide, Amiodarone, moxifloxacin). If you are at risk for heart rhythm problems (e.g., people with heart failure, Angina, low potassium or magnesium levels), discuss with your doctor how Latuda (Lurasidone) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Latuda (Lurasidone), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Kidney function: If you have kidney problems or reduced kidney function, discuss with your doctor how Latuda (Lurasidone) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Latuda (Lurasidone), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Latuda (Lurasidone) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems or decreased liver function, discuss with your doctor how Latuda (Lurasidone) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Latuda (Lurasidone), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Low Blood Pressure: Latuda (Lurasidone) may cause a lowering of blood pressure when rising from a sitting or lying position, or a racing heart rate, especially during the few weeks of treatment. If you feel dizzy or lightheaded or feel your pulse is racing, and this feeling does not go away after a few minutes, call your doctor. Because Latuda (Lurasidone) can cause dizziness or lightheadedness, do not get up too quickly after you have been sitting or lying for prolonged periods. If you have heart disease (e.g., heart failure, Heart Attack) or are taking medications that lower blood pressure, discuss with your doctor how Latuda (Lurasidone) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Latuda (Lurasidone), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Movement disorders: There is a risk of developing tardive dyskinesia (TD), a condition involving repetitive, uncontrollable, and purposeless movements (such as grimacing; tongue protrusion; lip smacking; puckering; rapid eye blinking; rapid movements of the arms, legs, and body trunk). If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS): A risk of developing this condition has been associated with antipsychotic medications, including Latuda (Lurasidone). If you experience increased sweating and sensations of warmth, muscle stiffness, emotional and behavioural changes, or irregular heartbeat, contact your doctor immediately. People taking Latuda (Lurasidone) should take care to avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated.

Prolactin levels: As with other antipsychotics, Latuda (Lurasidone) can elevate levels of the hormone prolactin. This may lead to symptoms such as spontaneous flow of milk from the breast, irregular menstruation, breast enlargement in males, diminished sexual function in males, and decreased bone strength. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor.

Seizures: Latuda (Lurasidone) may reduce seizure control for people with a history of seizures or those who are at risk of developing seizures. If you have a history of seizures, discuss with your doctor how Latuda (Lurasidone) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Latuda (Lurasidone), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Suicidal behaviour: People taking Latuda (Lurasidone) may feel agitated (restless, anxious, aggressive, emotional, and feeling not like themselves), or they may want to hurt themselves or others. These symptoms may occur within several weeks after starting Latuda (Lurasidone). If you experience these side effects or notice them in a family member who is taking Latuda (Lurasidone), contact your doctor immediately. You should be closely monitored by your doctor for emotional and behaviour changes while taking Latuda (Lurasidone).

Tardive dyskinesia: Latuda (Lurasidone), like some other antipsychotic medications, may cause tardive dyskinesia (TD) to develop. TD is a potentially irreversible syndrome of involuntary, repetitive movements of the face and tongue muscles. Although TD appears most commonly in seniors, especially women, it is impossible to predict who will develop it. The risk of developing TD increases with higher doses and long-term treatment. If you experience muscle twitching or abnormal movements of the face or tongue, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Weight gain: Latuda (Lurasidone) may cause weight gain. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you find the change to be of concern.

White blood cells: As with other antipsychotics, Latuda (Lurasidone) can lower the number of infection-fighting white blood cells in your blood. This can increase your risk of infections. If you experience frequent colds or other infections, contact your doctor. Your doctor will monitor your white blood cell levels with blood tests during treatment with Latuda (Lurasidone).

Pregnancy: Latuda (Lurasidone) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Latuda (Lurasidone), contact your doctor immediately.

Babies born to mothers that take Latuda (Lurasidone) in the last 3 months of pregnancy may experience withdrawal symptoms after they are born, including breathing problems, difficulty feeding, or irritability. If you have been taking Latuda (Lurasidone) during pregnancy, make sure that everyone involved in caring for you and your baby are aware.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if Latuda (Lurasidone) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Latuda (Lurasidone), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Latuda (Lurasidone) for the treatment of schizophrenia has not been established for children less than 15 years of age. The safety and effectiveness of using Latuda (Lurasidone) for the treatment of depression associated with bipolar disorder has not been established for children less than 13 years of age.

Seniors: Seniors with Dementia who take Latuda (Lurasidone) or other similar medications are at an increased risk of dying. There may be a higher risk of liver, kidney, and heart problems, and a higher risk of drug interactions for seniors. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of using Latuda (Lurasidone).

This medication is typically used only once a day. However, your pharmacist may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you. Important: Follow the instructions on the label. Do not use more of this product, or more often, than prescribed. It must be used regularly and continuously to maintain its beneficial effects. Be sure to keep an adequate supply on hand. If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember -- unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose. Do not double the next dose to catch up. This medication is more effective if taken with food. Always take it with a meal or a snack. Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice during your treatment. Grapefruit can seriously affect how this medication works. Consuming alcohol may intensify the effect of this product. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation. Talk to your health care professional to find out exactly how much alcohol you can drink.