Cariprazine is used to treat schizophrenia (a long-term mental disorder that causes changes in thoughts, feelings, and behaviour). It helps relieve symptoms common in schizophrenia, such as distorted thinking and emotional instability.
This medicine is also used to treat a certain type of mood disturbance called bipolar I disorder (mood changes between feeling very high and very low).
Take Cariprazine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of treatment depending on your condition.
Cariprazine must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it suddenly as this may worsen your condition.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take Cariprazine with medicines used to treat bacterial, viral and fungal infections, high blood pressure, or depression. Please see the section “Can I take this with other medicines?” below for more information.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- Parkinson’s disease (a disorder that affects the movement of a person, causing symptoms such as tremors, muscle stiffness, slowed movement and impaired balance or walking)
- epilepsy (fits or seizures)
- diabetes
- heart disease
- diseases affecting the blood vessels and blood supply to the brain
- high blood pressure
- liver disease
- kidney disease
Cariprazine is not suitable for elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis.
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Medicines for depression such as Cariprazine may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviour. As depression and some psychiatric disorders are themselves associated with an increased risk of suicide, it is important for you or your family members to monitor your condition especially at the start of treatment and if your dosage is still being adjusted. If you experience new or sudden changes in mood, behaviour, thoughts or feelings or a worsening of your depression with suicidal thoughts or attempts, harm to self or harm to others, contact your doctor immediately.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. liver function, cholesterol/sugar/electrolyte levels, blood count) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Your blood pressure may rise to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure before and during treatment.
- Regular monitoring of your height, weight, waist size, mental status, and signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease may also be needed.
Cariprazine may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or need to see clearly.
This medicine may cause your blood pressure to fall suddenly when you get up from a sitting or lying down position and you may feel giddy. To minimise this problem, stand up slowly.
Other side effects include any of the following: nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhoea, constipation, indigestion, dry mouth, toothache, tiredness, changes in appetite, weight gain, back pain, limb pain, muscle and joint pain, headache, difficulty sleeping, and skin rash.
Cariprazine will cause the level of your white blood cells to drop. White blood cells help your body to fight infections. A fall in the level of your white blood cells may put you at higher risk for infections, such as coughs, colds and flu, which may lead to more serious infections. Avoid crowded places and people who are sick. Alert your doctor if you have a fever, or a cough or flu that does not go away.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- having thoughts of self-harm
- signs and symptoms of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (a neurological disorder) such as high fever, confusion, changes in breathing, heart rate and blood pressure, stiff muscles, increased sweating
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Cariprazine if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for HIV infection e.g. ritonavir, saquinavir, cobicistat, efavirenz, etravirine
- boceprevir (medicine to treat hepatitis)
- medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole, fluconazole
- certain antibiotics e.g. erythromycin, clarithromycin, nafcillin
- medicine to treat depression e.g. nefazodone
- medicines for high blood pressure e.g. diltiazem, verapamil
- medicines for seizure (fits) e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital
- rifampicin (medicine to treat TB [lung infection known as tuberculosis])
- bosentan (medicine to treat high blood pressure in the lungs)
- modafinil (medicine to treat sleepiness)
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking St. John’s wort (herbal medicine to treat depression).
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Cariprazine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Avoid consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice while you are being treated with this medicine.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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