Studies have shown that older adults with dementia (a brain disorder that affects the ability to remember, think clearly, communicate, and perform daily activities and that may cause changes in mood and personality) who take antipsychotics (medications for mental illness) such as iloperidone have an increased risk of death during treatment. Older adults with dementia may also have a greater chance of having a stroke or mini-stroke during treatment.
Iloperidone is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of behavior problems in older adults with dementia. Talk to the doctor who prescribed this medication if you, a family member, or someone you care for has dementia and is taking iloperidone. For more information visit the FDA website: http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm149578.htm.
Iloperidone is used to treat the symptoms of schizophrenia (a mental illness that causes disturbed or unusual thinking, loss of interest in life, and strong or inappropriate emotions). Iloperidone is in a class of medications called atypical antipsychotics. It works by changing the activity of certain natural substances in the brain.
Iloperidone comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken with or without food twice a day. Take iloperidone at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take iloperidone exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of iloperidone and gradually increase your dose, not more often than once every day for the first 7 days. Your doctor will also need to start you on a low dose of iloperidone and gradually increase your dose if you do not take iloperidone for 3 days or longer at any time during your treatment.
Iloperidone may help control your symptoms but will not cure your condition. It may take up to 2 weeks or longer before iloperidone begins to control your symptoms. Continue to take iloperidone even if you feel well. Do not stop taking iloperidone without talking to your doctor.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Talk to your doctor about eating grapefruit and drinking grapefruit juice while taking this medicine.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
weight gain
nausea
diarrhea
stomach pain
dry mouth
sleepiness
breast enlargement or discharge
missed menstrual periods
decreased sexual ability in men
joint pain
rash
hives
itching
dizziness
fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
fainting
difficulty breathing or swallowing
unusual movements of the face or body that you cannot control
seizures
sore throat, fever, chills, and other signs of infection
unexplained fever without other signs of infection
muscle stiffness
confusion
sweating
painful erection that lasts for hours
Iloperidone may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while you are taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
drowsiness
fast or irregular heartbeat
slow or abnormal movements
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body's response to iloperidone.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Last Revised - 05/16/2012
AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, 2012. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.