Latuda

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).