Invega is a brand-name prescription drug. It’s FDA-approved to treat the following mental health conditions:

  • Schizophrenia. Invega is used to treat schizophrenia in adults and children ages 12 years and older.
  • Schizoaffective disorder. Invega is used to treat schizoaffective disorder in adults. For this purpose, Invega may be used alone or in combination with mood stabilizers, antidepressants, or both.

To learn more about its uses, see the “Invega uses” section below.

Drug details

Invega contains an extended-release (ER) form of the active drug paliperidone. (“ER” means the drug is long-acting and is released slowly into your body over time.) Invega belongs to a class of drugs called atypical antipsychotics.

Invega comes as an oral tablet. It’s available in four strengths: 1.5 milligrams (mg), 3 mg, 6 mg, and 9 mg.

You’ll likely take Invega once per day.

Invega vs. Invega Hafyera, Invega Sustenna, and Invega Trinza

This article focuses on Invega tablets. Invega also comes in other forms, which aren’t the focus of this article.

Other forms of Invega include Invega Hafyera, Invega Sustenna, and Invega Trinza. Each of these drugs comes as a solution that’s given by a healthcare professional as an intramuscular injection.

To learn more about how the different forms of Invega are alike and different, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can tell you about the injection side effects, injection dosage, and how the injection cost compares with Invega tablets. They can also answer dosing concerns, such as what to do about a missed dose of Invega Hafyera, Invega Sustenna, or Invega Trinza.

If you’re currently taking Invega tablets but are interested in using another form of Invega instead, talk with your doctor. They can suggest which form of Invega may be best to treat your condition.

Effectiveness

For information about the effectiveness of Invega, see the “Invega uses” section below.

Invega is a brand-name drug that contains the active drug paliperidone. This active drug is also available as a generic medication. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication.

The generic is considered to be as safe and effective as the original drug. Generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

If you’re interested in taking the generic form of Invega, talk with your doctor. They can tell you if it comes in forms and strengths that are appropriate for your condition.

Invega can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while taking Invega. These lists do not include all possible side effects.

For more information about the possible side effects of Invega, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to manage any side effects that may be concerning or bothersome.

Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracks side effects of drugs it has approved. If you would like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Invega, you can do so through MedWatch.

The specific side effects you have may differ slightly depending on whether you’re taking Invega for schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.

Mild side effects

Mild side effects* of Invega can include:

Most of these side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. However, if they become more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

* This is a partial list of mild side effects from Invega. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist or view Invega’s prescribing information.
† For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect details” below.

Serious side effects

Some of Invega’s serious side effects are more common than others. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Serious side effects and their symptoms can include:

* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the terms “male” and “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.
† For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect details” below.
Invega has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the strongest warning required by the FDA. It alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous. For more information, see the “Invega side effects” section below.

Side effects in children

Invega is approved to treat schizophrenia in adults and children ages 12 years and older.

The side effects of Invega in children are generally the same as those in adults. For more information, see the “Mild side effects” and “Serious side effects” sections above.

In clinical trials, children were more likely than adults to have certain other side effects with Invega. These include anxiety and cogwheel rigidity (a type of muscle stiffness that causes a jerk-like response when pushing against the muscle).

If you have questions about your child’s risk of side effects with Invega, talk with their doctor.

Side effect details

Here’s some detail on certain side effects this drug may cause.

Increased risk of death in certain people

Invega may increase the risk of death in older adults with psychosis related to dementia. Invega has a boxed warning for this risk. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. It alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

Psychosis refers to a mental health condition that affects what a person thinks and believes about reality. And dementia refers to problems with memory, communication, thinking, and other brain functions.

This side effect wasn’t reported in clinical trials of Invega. However, antipsychotic drugs, such as Invega, are known to have this risk.

In some cases, antipsychotics can increase the risk of stroke in older adults with psychosis related to dementia. Symptoms of stroke can include:

  • weakness in your arm, leg, or face (usually on one side of your body)
  • trouble walking, seeing, or speaking
  • headache
  • confusion

If you have symptoms of stroke while taking Invega, call 911 or your local emergency number right away.

If you’re age 65 years or older with dementia-related psychosis, your doctor likely won’t prescribe Invega. Talk with your doctor about other treatment options for your condition.

Weight gain

Weight gain is a common side effect of Invega. To find out how often weight gain occurred in clinical trials, see Invega’s prescribing information.

Weight gain with Invega may be related to changes in your body’s metabolism.

If you’re concerned about weight gain while taking Invega, talk with your doctor. They may check your weight periodically. And your doctor can suggest ways to maintain a weight that’s healthy for you while you’re taking Invega.

Tardive dyskinesia

In rare cases, Invega may cause tardive dyskinesia. This side effect wasn’t reported in clinical trials of Invega. However, antipsychotic drugs, such as Invega, are known to have a risk of this side effect.

Tardive dyskinesia describes uncontrollable muscle movements that usually affect the face. These include actions such as involuntary blinking or lip smacking.

You may have a higher risk of this side effect if you’re an older adult or you take higher doses of Invega. Regardless of age or dose, tardive dyskinesia can happen soon after you start taking the drug. Or it can occur after you’ve stopped taking Invega. But for most people, symptoms of tardive dyskinesia should ease after treatment with the drug is stopped.

To lower your risk for tardive dyskinesia, your doctor will likely prescribe the lowest dose of Invega that’s effective for treating your condition.

If you’re concerned about your risk for tardive dyskinesia with Invega, talk with your doctor.

Allergic reaction

As with most drugs, some people can have an allergic reaction after taking Invega. However, this side effect was rare in the drug’s clinical trials.

Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:

A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include:

  • swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
  • swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat
  • trouble breathing

Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to Invega, as the reaction could become severe. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency.

The Invega dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:

  • the severity of the condition you’re taking Invega to treat
  • your age
  • your weight (for children only)
  • other medical conditions you may have

There isn’t a recommended loading dose for Invega. Typically, your doctor will start you on a low dosage. Then they’ll adjust it over time to reach the amount that’s right for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly taken or recommended. However, be sure to follow the dosing schedule your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Drug forms and strengths

Invega comes as an oral tablet. It’s available in four strengths: 1.5 milligrams (mg), 3 mg, 6 mg, and 9 mg.

Dosage for schizophrenia

The usual starting dosage of Invega for schizophrenia is 6 mg once per day. The typical dosage range is 3 mg to 12 mg once per day, with a maximum dosage of 12 mg each day.

Your doctor may recommend a different dosage depending on other factors, such as whether you have kidney disease. Talk with your doctor about the dosage that’s right for you.

Dosage for schizoaffective disorder

The typical starting dosage of Invega for schizoaffective disorder is 6 mg once per day. The usual dosage range is 3 mg to 12 mg once per day, with a maximum dosage of 12 mg each day.

For this purpose, Invega may be taken alone or in combination with mood stabilizers, antidepressants, or both.

Children’s dosage

Invega is approved to treat schizophrenia in children ages 12 years and older.

The usual starting dosage of Invega for schizophrenia in children is 3 mg once per day. The typical dosage range and maximum dosage of Invega depends on the child’s body weight in kilograms (kg).*

For children weighing less than 51 kg (about 112 lb), the typical dosage range is 3 mg to 6 mg once per day. The maximum recommended dosage is 6 mg each day.

For children weighing 51 kg or more, the usual dosage range is 3 mg to 12 mg once per day. The maximum recommended dosage is 12 mg each day.

If you have questions about the dosage that’s right for your child, talk with their doctor.

* One kg is about 2.2 pounds (lb).

What if I miss a dose?

The manufacturer of Invega hasn’t provided recommendations for what to do about a missed dose.

If you miss a dose of Invega, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can advise you on whether to take a missed dose or skip it.

To help make sure you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or using a timer. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.

Will I need to take this drug long term?

Invega is meant to be taken as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Invega is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Invega.

Is Invega used for bipolar disorder?

Invega is not approved to treat bipolar disorder. However, the drug may be used off-label for this purpose. Off-label drug use means prescribing a drug for a purpose other than what it’s been approved for by the FDA.

Bipolar disorder is a condition that causes extreme shifts in concentration, energy, activity levels, and mood.

Invega is approved to treat schizoaffective disorder, which often has symptoms similar to those of bipolar disorder.

If you’re interested in taking Invega to treat bipolar disorder, talk with your doctor. They can advise you on the best treatment for your condition.

Does Invega treat anxiety or depression?

Invega is not approved to treat anxiety or depression. In some cases, the drug may be used off-label for these conditions.

Keep in mind that, rarely, Invega may cause anxiety as a side effect. So, it’s possible the drug may worsen this condition for some people. In this case, it’s likely Invega wouldn’t be used to treat anxiety.

If you’re interested in taking Invega to treat anxiety or depression, talk with your doctor. They can advise on the best treatment for your condition.

Is Invega a controlled substance?

No, Invega is not a controlled substance.

Controlled substances are drugs with a high risk of misuse. (Misuse means using a drug in a way other than how it’s been prescribed to you.) And controlled substances are regulated by the federal government. However, Invega isn’t one of these drugs.

Is Invega an atypical antipsychotic?

Yes, Invega is an atypical antipsychotic.

Atypical antipsychotics are a class of drugs typically prescribed to treat schizophrenia and other serious mental health conditions. The way these drugs work isn’t completely understood. For more information, see the “How Invega works” section below.

How does Invega make you feel?

You may find that taking Invega makes it easier to concentrate and control your thoughts.

Invega is thought to help regulate the levels of serotonin and dopamine in the brain. An imbalance in these chemicals can affect your mood and emotions.

Taking Invega may lead to more balanced levels of these chemicals, which can help you manage your behaviors and improve your mood.

If you have questions about what to expect when taking Invega, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Does Invega treat autism?

Invega isn’t approved to treat autism. In some cases, the drug may be used off-label for this condition.

Autism is a mental health condition that can affect social interaction and communication. Autism can also affect the way a person thinks, feels, and behaves.

To learn more about using Invega to treat autism, talk with your doctor.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Invega to treat certain conditions. The conditions a drug is approved to treat are sometimes called “indications.” Invega may also be used off-label for other conditions. Off-label drug use means prescribing a drug for a purpose other than what it’s been approved for by the FDA.

Invega is used to treat certain mental health conditions. You can learn more about mental health by visiting our mental health hub.

Invega for schizophrenia

Invega is FDA-approved to treat schizophrenia in adults and children ages 12 years and older.

Schizophrenia is a severe mental health condition that can affect how a person feels, thinks, and behaves.

Symptoms of schizophrenia typically include:

  • decreased expression of emotions
  • hallucinations
  • delusions (false beliefs)
  • confused speech
  • unusual thoughts
  • trouble focusing

Effectiveness for schizophrenia

Invega has been found effective for treating schizophrenia. In fact, American Psychiatric Association guidelines include Invega as a recommended treatment option for this condition.

For details on how Invega performed in clinical trials, see the drug’s prescribing information.

Invega for schizoaffective disorder

Invega is FDA-approved to treat schizoaffective disorder in adults. For this purpose, Invega may be taken alone or in combination with mood stabilizers, antidepressants, or both. For details, see the “Invega use with other drugs” section below.

Schizoaffective disorder is a mental health condition. People with schizoaffective disorder often have symptoms of both schizophrenia and a mood disorder, such as bipolar disorder.

Specifically, symptoms of schizoaffective disorder may include:

Effectiveness for schizoaffective disorder

Invega has been found effective for treating schizoaffective disorder in adults in clinical trials.

For details on how Invega performed in clinical trials, see the drug’s prescribing information.

Invega and children

Invega is FDA-approved to treat schizophrenia adults and children ages 12 years and older.

To learn more about this condition, see “Invega for schizoaffective disorder” above.

Invega is approved to treat schizoaffective disorder when taken alone or in combination with mood stabilizers, antidepressants, or both.

Some examples of antidepressants that may be taken with Invega include citalopram (Celexa) and fluoxetine (Prozac). Examples of mood stabilizers include divalproex (Depakote) and lithium (Lithobid).

For more information about taking Invega with other drugs, talk with your doctor.

Other drugs are available that can treat your condition. Some may be a better fit for you than others. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to Invega, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that may work well for you.

Note: Some of the drugs listed here are used off-label to treat these specific conditions. Off-label drug use is when a drug that’s approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is used for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.

Alternatives for schizophrenia

Examples of other antipsychotic drugs that may be used to treat schizophrenia include:

  • cariprazine (Vraylar)
  • chlorpromazine
  • clozapine (Clozaril)
  • haloperidol (Haldol)
  • iloperidone (Fanapt)
  • lumateperone (Caplyta)
  • lurasidone (Latuda)
  • olanzapine (Zyprexa)
  • perphenazine
  • quetiapine (Seroquel)
  • pimavanserin (Nuplazid)
  • risperidone (Risperdal)
  • ziprasidone (Geodon)
  • paliperidone (Invega Sustenna, Trinza, and Hafyera)*

* For more information about these forms of Invega, see the “What is Invega?” section at the beginning of this article.

Alternatives for schizoaffective disorder

Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat schizoaffective disorder include:

As with all medications, the cost of Invega can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.

Keep in mind that you may be able to get a 90-day supply of Invega. If approved by your insurance company, getting a 90-day supply of the drug could reduce your number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower the cost. If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance company.

Before approving coverage for Invega, your insurance company may require you to get prior authorization. This means your doctor and insurance company will need to communicate about your prescription before the insurance company will cover the drug. The insurance company will review the prior authorization request and decide if the drug will be covered.

If you’re not sure whether you’ll need to get prior authorization for Invega, contact your insurance company.

Financial and insurance assistance

If you need financial support to pay for Invega, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available.

Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., the manufacturer of Invega, offers a program called Janssen Care Path. Through this program, you may find cost assistance for Invega. For more information and to find out if you’re eligible for support, visit the program website.

To learn more about saving money on prescriptions, check out this article.

Mail-order pharmacies

Invega may be available through a mail-order pharmacy. Using this service may help lower the drug’s cost and allow you to get your medication without leaving home.

If your doctor recommends it, you may be able to receive a 90-day supply of Invega, so there’s less concern about running out of the medication. If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance company. Some Medicare plans may help cover the cost of mail-order medications.

If you don’t have insurance, you can ask your doctor or pharmacist about online pharmacy options.

Generic version

Invega is available in a generic form called paliperidone. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. The generic is considered to be as safe and effective as the original drug. And generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

If your doctor prescribed Invega but you’re interested in taking paliperidone instead, talk with your doctor. They may have a preference for one version or the other. You’ll also need to check your insurance plan, as it may only cover one of the drugs.

Invega is approved to treat schizophrenia in adults and children ages 12 years and older. The drug is also used to treat schizoaffective disorder in adults.

Schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder are mental health conditions that can affect how a person feels, thinks, and behaves. People with schizoaffective disorder often have symptoms of both schizophrenia and a mood disorder, such as bipolar disorder.

Symptoms of schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder typically include delusions (false beliefs), hallucinations, and unusual thoughts. In addition, people with schizoaffective disorder may experience mania and other erratic behaviors.

Invega belongs to a class of drugs called atypical antipsychotics. The way the drug works isn’t completely understood. (The way a drug works in the body is called its “mechanism of action.”) It’s thought that Invega helps regulate the levels of serotonin and dopamine in your body. By balancing the level of these chemicals, Invega can help ease symptoms of schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.

How long does it take to work?

Invega starts working right after you take your first dose. However, it may take several weeks for you to notice your symptoms begin to ease.

How long does it stay in your system?

The half-life of Invega can be used to figure out how long it stays in your system. “Half-life” refers to the amount of time it takes for half of a drug’s dose to leave your body.

The half-life of Invega is 23 hours, meaning it takes about 23 hours for your body to get rid of half of a dose of Invega.

It usually takes about five half-lives for a drug to leave your system completely. This means Invega will stay in your body for about 115 hours (almost 5 days) after your last dose.

Invega isn’t known to cause withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms are side effects that happen after you stop taking a drug your body has become dependent on. There haven’t been studies on whether Invega can cause drug dependence.

However, taking Invega during pregnancy can lead to withdrawal symptoms in infants after birth. For more information, see the “Invega and pregnancy” section below.

It’s recommended that you avoid drinking alcohol while taking Invega. This is because drinking alcohol while taking Invega may worsen certain side effects, such as sleepiness.

If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor before taking Invega. They can recommend the amount of alcohol (if any) that’s safe for you to consume while taking the drug.

Taking more than the recommended dosage of Invega can lead to serious side effects.

Do not use more Invega than your doctor recommends.

Overdose symptoms

Symptoms of an overdose can include:

What to do in case of overdose

If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor. You can also call the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. However, if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

This drug comes with several precautions.

FDA warning: Increased risk of death in certain people

This drug has a boxed warning. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A boxed warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

Antipsychotic drugs, such as Invega, can increase the risk of death in older adults with psychosis related to dementia. For this reason, doctors typically will not prescribe Invega to treat psychosis in older adults with dementia. For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect details” in the “Invega side effects” section above.

Other precautions

Before taking Invega, talk with your doctor about your health history. Invega may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. These include:

  • Blood pressure or other heart problems. Tell your doctor about any heart problems you have before starting treatment with Invega. This is because Invega can cause orthostatic hypotension (sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing) and abnormal heart rhythms. Your risk of these side effects may be higher if you already have blood pressure or heart problems. Your doctor can tell you if it’s safe to take Invega.
  • Kidney problems. If you have kidney problems, talk with your doctor before taking Invega. They’ll likely adjust your dosage of Invega to make sure it’s safe for you to take the drug.
  • Lewy body dementia or Parkinson’s disease. If you have Lewy body dementia or Parkinson’s disease, you may have a higher risk of side effects from Invega. (To learn more, see the “Invega side effects” section above.) If you have either of these conditions, talk with your doctor about whether Invega is safe for you to take.
  • Seizures. Invega may increase your risk of seizures, especially if you’ve had seizures in the past. If you have a history of seizures, talk with your doctor before starting Invega treatment. They can advise if the drug is safe for you to take.
  • Digestive or swallowing problems. In rare cases, Invega has been reported to cause obstruction issues (blockage of digestion) in certain people. If you have a history of digestive conditions, talk with your doctor before starting Invega. (Examples of digestive conditions include small bowel inflammatory disease and “short gut” syndrome.) Your doctor can advise you on if the drug is safe for you to take.
  • Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Invega or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Invega. Ask your doctor what other medications are better options for you.
  • Pregnancy. It isn’t known if Invega is safe to take during pregnancy. For more information, see the “Invega and pregnancy” section below.
  • Breastfeeding. It’s not known if Invega can pass into breast milk during breastfeeding. For more information, see the “Invega and breastfeeding” section below.

Note: For more information about the potential negative effects of Invega, see the “Invega side effects” section above.

It isn’t known if Invega is safe to take while pregnant. The drug hasn’t been studied during pregnancy.

However, taking antipsychotics (such as Invega) during the last 3 months of pregnancy may cause certain side effects in infants after birth. Specifically, this may lead to certain movement problems and withdrawal symptoms in infants.

Examples of these symptoms include:

  • increased or decreased muscle tone
  • agitation (feeling of being restless or bothered)
  • sleepiness
  • trouble breathing
  • trouble eating or refusal to eat certain foods
  • tremor

If you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking Invega.

Pregnancy registry

If you take Invega during pregnancy, consider enrolling in a pregnancy registry. Pregnancy registries collect information on the safety of certain drugs when taken during pregnancy.

To learn more about the National Pregnancy Registry for Psychiatric Medications, visit the registry website. You can also call 866-961-2388 or talk with your doctor.

It’s not known if Invega is safe to take during pregnancy. If you’re sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your birth control needs while you’re taking Invega.

For more information about taking Invega during pregnancy, see the “Invega and pregnancy” section above.

It’s not known if Invega can pass into breast milk. If you’re breastfeeding or planning to do so while taking the drug, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking Invega.

Invega can interact with several other medications.

Different interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some interactions can interfere with how well a drug works. Other interactions can increase the likelihood of side effects or make them more severe.

Invega and other medications

Below is a list of medications that can interact with Invega. This list does not contain all drugs that may interact with Invega.

Before taking Invega, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Types of drugs that can interact with Invega include:

  • Certain central nervous system agents, such as levodopa. These medications are used to treat conditions such as Parkinson’s disease. Taking Invega with these drugs can make central nervous system agents less effective.
  • Certain antiepileptic drugs, such as carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol) and divalproex (Depakote). These medications are used to treat seizures. Taking Invega with these drugs can affect the level of Invega in your body, which can make the drug more or less effective.

Invega and herbs and supplements

There aren’t any herbs or supplements that have been specifically reported to interact with Invega. However, you should still check with your doctor or pharmacist before using any of these products while taking Invega.

Invega and foods

There aren’t any foods that have been specifically reported to interact with Invega. If you have any questions about eating certain foods during treatment with Invega, talk with your doctor.

You should take Invega according to the instructions your doctor gives you.

Invega comes as a tablet that you swallow.

When to take

You’ll likely take Invega once per day. You can take the drug at any time, but try to take your dose around the same time each day.

To help make sure you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or using a timer. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.

Accessible labels and containers

If your prescription label is hard to read, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Some pharmacies offer labels that have large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist may be able to direct you to one that does.

If you have trouble opening medication bottles, ask your pharmacist if they can put Invega in an easy-open container. They also may be able to recommend tools that can make it simpler to open lids.

Taking Invega with food

You can take Invega with or without food.

Can Invega be crushed, split, or chewed?

Invega tablets should not be crushed, split, or chewed.* You’ll swallow the tablets whole.

If you have trouble swallowing Invega tablets, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

* Invega comes in an extended-release (ER) form. (“ER” means the drug is long-acting and is released slowly into your body over time.) Crushing, splitting, or chewing the tablet can affect how the drug works in your body.

When you get Invega from the pharmacy, the pharmacist will add an expiration date to the label on the bottle. This date is typically 1 year from the date they dispensed the medication.

The expiration date helps guarantee that the medication is effective during this time. The current stance of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is to avoid taking expired medications. If you have unused medication that has gone past the expiration date, talk with your pharmacist about whether you might still be able to use it.

Storage

How long a medication remains good to use can depend on many factors, including how and where you store the medication.

Invega tablets should be stored at room temperature of up to 77°F (25°C). You can temporarily store Invega at temperatures between 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C), such as when traveling.

Invega tablets should be stored in a tightly sealed container away from light. Avoid storing this medication in areas where it could get damp or wet, such as bathrooms.

Disposal

If you no longer need to take Invega and have leftover medication, it’s important to dispose of it safely. This helps prevent others, including children and pets, from taking the drug by accident. It also helps keep the drug from harming the environment.

This article provides several useful tips on medication disposal. You can also ask your pharmacist for information about how to dispose of your medication.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

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