Question 1

What is Invega Sustenna?

Accepted Answer

Invega Sustenna contains the active ingredient paliperidone, which belongs to a class of medications known as atypical antipsychotics. It works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural chemicals in the brain.

This medication is used to help manage symptoms of psychiatric conditions. It belongs to a group of drugs that affect neurotransmitters to improve mood, thinking, and behavior.

Question 2

What is Invega Sustenna used for?

Accepted Answer

Invega Sustenna is used to treat schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder .

Question 3

How does Invega Sustenna work?

Accepted Answer

Mechanism of Action

Invega Sustenna contains the active ingredient paliperidone, which belongs to a class of medications known as atypical antipsychotics. It works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural chemicals in the brain.

This medication is used to help manage symptoms of psychiatric conditions. It belongs to a group of drugs that affect neurotransmitters to improve mood, thinking, and behavior.

Specifically, paliperidone is thought to work by blocking receptors for two key chemicals:

Dopamine: This chemical is involved in how the brain processes information and perceives reality. Overactivity of dopamine in certain brain pathways is linked to symptoms like hallucinations and delusions.

Serotonin: This chemical helps regulate mood, behavior, and sleep.

By modulating the activity of these chemicals, the medication helps to stabilize mood and reduce the intensity of psychotic symptoms.

Extended-Release Delivery

Invega Sustenna is a long-acting injectable formulation. After it is injected into the muscle, the medication dissolves slowly into the bloodstream. This delivery method allows for a steady level of the drug to remain in the body for several weeks, providing continuous symptom control.

Question 4

What are the active ingredients in Invega Sustenna?

Accepted Answer

The active ingredient in Invega Sustenna is Paliperidone palmitate .

Question 5

What are the side effects of Invega Sustenna?

Accepted Answer

Common side effects of Invega Sustenna may include:

Injection site reactions

Extrapyramidal symptoms

Weight gain

Others

Always consult with a healthcare professional about potential side effects.

Question 6

What drug class is Invega Sustenna?

Accepted Answer

Invega Sustenna belongs to the atypical antipsychotic drug class.

Question 7

What is the dosage of Invega Sustenna and how do I take it?

Accepted Answer

Administration

Invega Sustenna is given as an injection into the muscle (intramuscularly) by a healthcare professional. It is typically injected into the upper arm or the buttocks.

Dosing Schedule

Treatment usually begins with two initial doses given one week apart. After these starting doses, the medication is typically administered once every month.

Missed Doses

It is important to receive each injection on schedule. If you miss an appointment for your injection, contact your healthcare provider immediately to reschedule. Your provider will determine the best way to get your treatment back on track based on how much time has passed since your last dose.

Question 8

Is Invega Sustenna safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Accepted Answer

Pregnancy

The use of antipsychotic medications like Invega Sustenna during the third trimester of pregnancy may lead to complications in the newborn. These issues can include withdrawal symptoms or extrapyramidal symptoms, such as:

Muscle stiffness or shakiness

Drowsiness

Breathing problems

Difficulty feeding

If you become pregnant while using this medication, do not stop treatment without consulting your healthcare provider, as untreated mental health conditions can also pose risks. There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors the health of individuals and their babies who are exposed to antipsychotics during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding

Paliperidone, the active ingredient in Invega Sustenna, can pass into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Because of the potential for side effects in the baby, it is important to discuss the risks and benefits of breastfeeding while using this medication with a doctor. They can help determine the best course of action for both the parent and the child.

Question 9

What forms and strengths does Invega Sustenna come in?

Accepted Answer

Invega Sustenna is supplied as an extended-release injectable suspension. It is provided in prefilled syringes for intramuscular use. This medication is administered by a healthcare professional as an injection into the muscle of the upper arm or the buttocks.

Question 10

What is the FDA approval status of Invega Sustenna?

Accepted Answer

FDA Approval and Indications

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Invega Sustenna for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults in 2009. Its approved indications were later expanded to include the treatment of schizoaffective disorder in adults, either as a standalone treatment or as an add-on therapy to mood stabilizers or antidepressants.

Boxed Warning

Invega Sustenna carries a Boxed Warning, which is the FDA's most serious warning for medications. This warning states that elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis who are treated with antipsychotic drugs are at an increased risk of death. Invega Sustenna is not approved for the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis.

Administration and Oversight

As a long-acting injectable medication, Invega Sustenna must be administered by a healthcare professional. It is not available for self-administration. While it is not classified as a controlled substance, the FDA requires specific labeling to monitor for serious side effects, including:

Cerebrovascular adverse reactions, such as stroke, in elderly patients.

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS), a rare but potentially fatal reaction.

Tardive dyskinesia, a movement disorder that may become irreversible.

Metabolic changes, including high blood sugar, increased cholesterol, and weight gain.

Question 11

What should I know about Invega Sustenna and cost?

Accepted Answer

Factors Affecting Cost

The price of Invega Sustenna can vary significantly based on several factors. Because it is a long-acting injectable medication, the total cost often includes both the drug itself and the professional services required to administer it.

Insurance Coverage: Your out-of-pocket expenses will depend on whether the medication is on your insurance plan's formulary and what tier it occupies. Medicare and Medicaid typically cover this medication, though specific costs vary by plan.

Pharmacy and Location: Prices may differ between pharmacies. Some specialty pharmacies may be required to handle this type of medication.

Administration Fees: Invega Sustenna must be injected by a healthcare professional. You may incur separate charges for the office visit or the administration of the shot.

Generic Availability

Invega Sustenna is currently available only as a brand-name medication. There is no generic version of this specific long-acting injectable formulation available at this time, which can contribute to a higher cost compared to older antipsychotic medications.

Financial Support Options

If you are concerned about the cost, there are often resources available to help:

Manufacturer Programs: The drug manufacturer may offer savings cards or patient assistance programs for those who qualify based on insurance status or income.

Government Assistance: Programs like Extra Help through Medicare can assist with prescription drug costs for eligible individuals.

Invega Sustenna

Medication Quick Facts

📋Overview

What It's Used For

How It Works

Side Effects

Warnings & Precautions

Dosage & How to Take

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Forms & Strengths

FDA / Regulatory Status

Price Information

FAQ

Found an Error?