LATUDA (Lurasidone)

What is this medication?

LATUDA (Lurasidone)
Second Generation (Atypical) Antipsychotic

LATUDA (Lurasidone) is indicated for treatment of bipolar major depression, and schizophrenia.

ALERT: WARNING
Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with antipsychotic drugs are at an increased risk of death. Lurasidone is not approved for the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis.

Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in pediatric and young adult patients in short-term studies. Closely monitor all antidepressant-treated patients for clinical worsening, and for emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

How does this medication work? 

LATUDA (Lurasidone) is an atypical antipsychotic that has high affinity for D2, 5-HT2A, and 5-HT7 receptors, moderate affinity for alpha2C-adrenergic receptors, and is a partial agonist for 5-HT1A receptors. It does not bind muscarinic M1 and histamine H1 receptors. The addition of serotonin antagonism to dopamine antagonism is thought to improve negative symptoms of psychoses and reduce the incidence of extrapyramidal side effects as compared to typical antipsychotics.

How should I take this medication? 

Oral: Take 20-160 mg once daily in the evening within 30 minutes of food (≥350 calories); may increase daily dose based on response and tolerability.

How to Take: Follow instructions provided by physician/pharmacy label. Administer consistently at the same time every day with food (≥350 calories). Evening administration may help reduce adverse effects.

You Need to Avoid: Do not consume grapefruit/grapefruit juice while on this medication.  Operating heavy machinery or driving at least until you know how the medication affects you.  Do not stop this medication suddenly, make sure your physician is aware and can create a tapering schedule so you can come off slowly and prevent any withdrawal symptoms.  This medication has many drug interactions so ask your pharmacist before starting any over the counter medications or supplements. 

What should I watch for while using this medication? 

Before starting LATUDA (Lurasidone), make sure your physician is aware of any allergies or medications you currently take, if you have cardiovascular disease, dementia, hepatic impairment, renal impairment, a history of seizures, are pregnant, or breastfeeding.  Suicidal ideation is inherent with bipolar disorder or psychotic illness so caution must be used and any major changes in personality or mood should be reported to physician immediately.  Lurasidone use has been associate with adverse events such as altered cardiac conduction, blood dyscrasias, CNS depression, dyslipidemia, esophageal dysmotility/aspiration, extrapyramidal symptoms, increased risk of falls, hyperglycemia, hyperprolactinemia, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, orthostatic hypotension, temperature dysregulation, and weight gain.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of medication, try to take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, take only that scheduled dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

How should I store this medication?

Keep out of the reach of children at all times. Store at room temperature, 59 to 86° F (15 to 30° C). Protect from light. Keep the container tightly closed. Properly dispose of any unused medication after the expiration date.

What are the possible side effects of using this medication?

Serum triglycerides, increased serum cholesterol, increased serum glucoses, nausea, viral infection, extrapyramidal reaction, drowsiness, akathisia, parkinsonian-like syndrome. 

Note this is not a complete list of side effects for LATUDA (Lurasidone), only common ones and are generally dosage dependent.