Physicians are advised to discuss the following issues with patients for whom they prescribe paliperidone extended-release tablets.
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
Counsel patients about a potentially fatal adverse reaction, Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS), that has been reported in association with administration of antipsychotic drugs. Advise patients, family members, or caregivers to contact their healthcare provider or report to the emergency room if they experience signs and symptoms of NMS, including hyperpyrexia, muscle rigidity, altered mental status including delirium, and evidence of autonomic instability (irregular pulse or blood pressure, tachycardia, diaphoresis, and cardiac dysrhythmia)
[see
Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].
Tardive Dyskinesia
Counsel patients on the signs and symptoms of tardive dyskinesia and to contact their healthcare provider if these abnormal movements occur [
see
Warnings and Precautions (5.5)
].
Metabolic Changes
Educate patients about the risk of metabolic changes, how to recognize symptoms of hyperglycemia and diabetes mellitus, and the need for specific monitoring, including blood glucose, lipids, and weight [
see
Warnings and Precautions (5.6)
].
Orthostatic Hypotension: Educate patients about the risk of orthostatic hypotension and syncope, particularly at the time of initiating treatment, re-initiating treatment, or increasing the dose [
see
Warnings and Precautions (5.9)
].
Leukopenia/Neutropenia
Advise patients with a pre-existing low WBC or a history of drug-induced leukopenia/neutropenia they should have their CBC monitored while taking paliperidone extended-release tablets [
see
Warnings and Precautions (5.11)
]
Hyperprolactinemia
Counsel patients on signs and symptoms of hyperprolactinemia that may be associated with chronic use of paliperidone extended-release tablets. Advise them to seek medical attention if they experience any of the following: amenorrhea or galactorrhea in females, erectile dysfunction or gynecomastia in males [
see
Warnings and Precautions (5.7)
].
Interference with Cognitive and Motor Performance:Caution patients about performing activities requiring mental alertness, such as operating hazardous machinery, or operating a motor vehicle, until they are reasonably certain that paliperidone extended-release tablets’ therapy does not affect them adversely
[see
Warnings and Precautions (5.12)]
.
Priapism
Advise patients of the possibility of painful or prolonged penile erections (priapism). Instruct the patient to seek immediate medical attention in the event of priapism
[see
Warnings and Precautions (5.15)].
Heat Exposure and Dehydration:Counsel patients on the importance of avoiding overheating and dehydration
[see
Warnings and Precautions (5.18)]
.
Concomitant Medication: Advise patients to inform their healthcare providers if they are taking, or plan to take, any prescription or over-the-counter drugs, as there is a potential for interactions [
see
Drug Interactions (7)
].
Alcohol:Patients should be advised to avoid alcohol while taking paliperidone extended-release tablets [
see
Drug Interactions (7.1)
].
Administration:Patients should be informed that paliperidone extended-release tablets should be swallowed whole with the aid of liquids. Tablets should not be chewed, divided, or crushed. The medication is contained within a nonabsorbable shell designed to release the drug at a controlled rate. The tablet shell, along with insoluble core components, is eliminated from the body; patients should not be concerned if they occasionally notice something that looks like a tablet in their stool
[see
Dosage and Administration (2.3)]
.
Pregnancy:Advise patients to notify their healthcare provider if they become pregnant or intend to become pregnant during treatment with paliperidone extended-release tablets. Advise patients that paliperidone extended-release tablets may cause extrapyramidal and/or withdrawal symptoms in a neonate. Advise patients that there is a pregnancy registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to paliperidone extended-release tablets during pregnancy
[see
Use in Specific Populations (8.1)]
.
Lactation:Advise breastfeeding women using paliperidone extended-release tablets to monitor infants for somnolence, failure to thrive, jitteriness, and extrapyramidal symptoms (tremors and abnormal muscle movements) and to seek medical care if they notice these signs
[see
Use in Specific Populations (8.2)].
Infertility:Advise females of reproductive potential that paliperidone extended-release tablets may impair fertility due to an increase in serum prolactin levels. The effects on fertility are reversible
[see
Use in Specific Populations (8.3)]
.
The brands listed are trademarks of their respective owners.
Distributed by:
Archis Pharma LLC,
15 Corporate Pace South, Suite 108
Piscataway, NJ 08854, U.S.A
Revised: 03/2025
PLP: PI-PLP-01