Fanapt

The active ingredient in Fanapt is iloperidone. Iloperidone (Fanapt) is an atypical antipsychotic whose mechanism of action is not totally understood. It is supposed to operate by regulating the levels of neurotransmitters (dopamine and serotonin) in your brain, allowing you to better manage your thoughts, mood, and behaviours. This medication is part of atypical antipsychotics’ drug class.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Fanapt. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Fanapt:

• It may be at least two weeks before your symptoms improve. Continue taking the medication as prescribed, and notify your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.
• Your doctor will need to monitor your progress on an ongoing basis.
• If you have stopped taking Fanapt for more than three days in a row, consult your doctor before starting again. You may need to start the medication at a lesser dose.
• Store at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light.

Some mild or common side effects of Fanapt seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

• Dizziness (orthostatic hypotension and syncope).
• Sleepiness.
• Weight gain.
• Somnolence.
• Nasal congestion.
• Nausea and weakness or fatigue.
• Fast heart rate or heart rhythm changes.
• High blood pressure.
• Increases in blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia).
• Low white blood cell (WBC) count.
• Hyperprolactinemia (high prolactin levels).
• Risk factors of leukopenia, neutropenia, and agranulocytosis.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Fanapt. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Symptoms of neuroleptic malignant syndrome include fever, sweating, rigid muscles, confusion, loss of awareness of your surroundings, and a fast or irregular heartbeat.
• Stroke causes numbness or weakness on one side of the body, loss of balance, headache, impaired vision, and difficulty speaking.
• Symptoms of dangerously high blood sugar include thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, trouble breathing, fruity breath, and dry mouth.
• Serious infections include fever, headache, chills, body aches, cough, and weakness.
• Seizures.
• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia).
• Risk of tardive dyskinesia.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Fanapt. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Fanapt, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• QT prolongation or long QT interval.
• Seizures.
• Breast cancer.
• High cholesterol or triglycerides which may increase cerebrovascular levels.
• Liver disease.
• An electrolyte imbalance like low magnesium or potassium in the blood).
• Intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS).
• For males, if you get a painful or protracted erection (priapism) that lasts 4 hours or more, cease using Fanapt immediately and seek medical attention.
• Medicines like Fanapt can impact your body's ability to reduce your body temperature. You should avoid overheating and dehydration.

Boxed Warning

Patients with dementia-related psychosis who take antipsychotic drugs face a higher risk of death, as shown in short-term studies. Most deaths were linked to cardiovascular issues, such as heart failure or sudden death, and infections like pneumonia. These drugs are not approved for treating dementia-related psychosis.

Increased risk of anaphylaxis, angioedema, and other hypersensitivity responses.

It normally begins to have an effect within 1 to 2 weeks, but it can take up to 6 weeks to get the full advantages. Your doctor will normally begin with a low dose and gradually raise it to avoid adverse effects while your body adjusts.

When Fanapt is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Chlorpromazine.
• CYP2D6 and CYP3A4
• Fluoxetine.
• Aripiprazole.
• Ketoconazole.
• Paroxetine.
• Risperidone.

Schizophrenia: The typical starting dosage form is 1 mg orally twice per day. Your psychiatrist will gradually increase the dosage over the course of a few days. The normal maintenance dose varies between 6 mg and 12 mg twice daily.

Bipolar I disorder (brand name Fanapt only): The typical starting dose is 1 mg/day taken orally twice. Your psychiatrist will gradually increase the dosage over the course of a few days. The typical maintenance dosage is 12 mg twice daily.

Your dose will differ if you have liver problems, if you're taking other medications that interact with iloperidone (Fanapt), and if you have certain genetics that affect how well iloperidone (Fanapt) is broken down in the body.

The dose of Fanapt should be reduced by one-half in patients who are poor metabolizers of CYP2D6.

Store at room temperature and keep out of reach of children.

Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc is the company that manufactures Fanapt.

There is no generic name version available of Fanapt.

You should not stop taking Fanapt abruptly without consulting your doctor. Stopping abruptly can result in withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, sweating, sleeplessness, or the recurrence of psychotic symptoms. Your doctor will normally recommend gradually reducing your dose over time to help your body adjust safely and avoid your symptoms from recurring.

If you are pregnant, your name may be added to a pregnancy registry to monitor the effects of iloperidone on the baby. Fanapt may cause extrapyramidal symptoms or withdrawal symptoms in neonates with third trimester exposure.

Taking antipsychotic medication in the last three months of pregnancy may result in breathing, feeding, or withdrawal issues in the newborn. If you become pregnant, notify your doctor straight away. Do not stop taking Fanapt without consulting your doctor first.

Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.