2.1 Administration Instructions

INVEGA TRINZA® should be administered once every 3 months.

Each injection must be administered only by a healthcare professional.

Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for foreign matter and discoloration prior to administration. It is important to shake the syringe vigorously for at least 15 seconds to ensure a homogeneous suspension. Inject INVEGA TRINZA® within 5 minutes of shaking vigorously [see Dosage and Administration (2.8)].

INVEGA TRINZA® is intended for intramuscular use only. Do not administer by any other route. Avoid inadvertent injection into a blood vessel. Administer the dose in a single injection; do not administer the dose in divided injections. Inject slowly, deep into the deltoid or gluteal muscle.

INVEGA TRINZA® must be administered using only the thin wall needles that are provided in the INVEGA TRINZA® pack. Do not use needles from the 1-month paliperidone palmitate extended-release injectable suspension pack or other commercially-available needles to reduce the risk of blockage.

2.2 Schizophrenia

2.3 Missed Doses

2.4 Use with Risperidone or with Oral Paliperidone

Since paliperidone is the major active metabolite of risperidone, caution should be exercised when INVEGA TRINZA® is coadministered with risperidone or oral paliperidone for extended periods of time. Safety data involving concomitant use of INVEGA TRINZA® with other antipsychotics is limited.

2.5 Dosage Adjustment in Renal Impairment

INVEGA TRINZA® has not been systematically studied in patients with renal impairment [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. For patients with mild renal impairment (creatinine clearance ≥ 50 mL/min to < 80 mL/min [Cockcroft-Gault Formula], adjust dosage and stabilize the patient using the 1-month paliperidone palmitate extended-release injectable suspension, then transition to INVEGA TRINZA® [see Table 1, Dosage and Administration (2.2)]. [See also Use in Specific Populations (8.6) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]

INVEGA TRINZA® is not recommended in patients with moderate or severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 50 mL/min) [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

2.6 Switching from INVEGA TRINZA® to the 1-Month Paliperidone Palmitate Extended-Release Injectable Suspension

For switching from INVEGA TRINZA® to INVEGA SUSTENNA® (1-month paliperidone palmitate extended-release injectable suspension), the 1-month paliperidone palmitate extended-release injectable suspension should be started 3 months after the last INVEGA TRINZA® dose, using the equivalent 3.5-fold lower dose as shown in Table 3. The 1-month paliperidone palmitate extended-release injectable suspension should then continue, dosed at monthly intervals.

2.7 Switching from INVEGA TRINZA® to Oral Paliperidone Extended-Release Tablets

For switching from INVEGA TRINZA® to oral paliperidone extended-release tablets, the daily dosing of the paliperidone extended-release tablets should be started 3 months after the last INVEGA TRINZA® dose and transitioned over the next several months following the last INVEGA TRINZA® dose as described in Table 4. Table 4 provides dose conversion regimens to allow patients previously stabilized on different doses of INVEGA TRINZA® to attain similar paliperidone exposure with once daily paliperidone extended-release tablets.

2.8 Instructions for Use

	Administer every 3 months
	Shake syringe vigorously for at least 15 seconds

For intramuscular injection only. Do not administer by any other route.

Important

INVEGA TRINZA® should be administered by a healthcare professional as a single injection. DO NOT divide dose into multiple injections.

INVEGA TRINZA® is intended for intramuscular use only. Inject slowly, deep into the muscle taking care to avoid injection into a blood vessel.

Read complete instructions prior to use.

Dosing

This medication should be administered once every 3 months.

Preparation

Peel off tab label from the syringe and place in patient record.

INVEGA TRINZA® requires longer and more vigorous shaking than INVEGA SUSTENNA® (1-month paliperidone palmitate extended-release injectable suspension). Shake the syringe vigorously, with the syringe tip pointing up, for at least 15 seconds within 5 minutes prior to administration (see Step 2).

Thin Wall Safety Needle Selection

Thin wall safety needles are designed to be used with INVEGA TRINZA®. Therefore, it is important to only use the needles provided in the INVEGA TRINZA® kit.

Dose pack contents

		Prefilled Syringe		Thin Wall Safety Needles

1 Select needle

Needle selection is determined by injection area and patient weight.

If administering a Deltoid injection If patient weighs: Less than 90 kg pink hub	If administering a Gluteal injection If patient weighs: Less than 90 kg yellow hub
90 kg or more yellow hub	90 kg or more yellow hub

2 Prepare for injection

Check suspension

After shaking the syringe for at least 15 seconds, check the liquid in the viewing window.

The suspension should appear uniform and milky white in color.

It is also normal to see small air bubbles.

Open needle pouch and remove cap

First, open needle pouch by peeling the cover back half way. Place on a clean surface.

Then, holding the syringe upright, twist and pull the rubber cap to remove.

Grasp needle pouch

Fold back needle cover and plastic tray. Then, firmly grasp the needle sheath through the pouch, as shown.

Attach needle

With your other hand, hold the syringe by the luer connection and attach it to the safety needle with a gentle clockwise twisting motion.

Do not remove the pouch until the syringe and needle are securely attached.

Remove needle sheath

Pull the needle sheath away from the needle in a straight motion.

Do not twist the sheath, as this may loosen the needle from the syringe.

Remove air bubbles

Hold the syringe upright and tap gently to make any air bubbles rise to the top.

Remove air by pressing the plunger rod upward carefully until a drop of liquid comes out of the needle tip.

3 Inject

Inject dose

Slowly inject the entire contents of the syringe intramuscularly, deep into the selected deltoid or gluteal muscle.

Do not administer by any other route.

4 After injection

Secure needle

After the injection is complete, use your thumb or a flat surface to secure the needle in the safety device. The needle is secure when a "click" sound is heard.

Dispose properly

Dispose of the syringe and unused needle in an approved sharps container.

5.1 Increased Mortality in Elderly Patients with Dementia-Related Psychosis

Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with antipsychotic drugs are at an increased risk of death. Analyses of 17 placebo-controlled trials (modal duration of 10 weeks), largely in patients taking atypical antipsychotic drugs, revealed a risk of death in drug-treated patients of between 1.6 to 1.7 times the risk of death in placebo-treated patients. Over the course of a typical 10-week controlled trial, the rate of death in drug-treated patients was about 4.5%, compared to a rate of about 2.6% in the placebo group. Although the causes of death were varied, most of the deaths appeared to be either cardiovascular (e.g., heart failure, sudden death) or infectious (e.g., pneumonia) in nature. Observational studies suggest that, similar to atypical antipsychotic drugs, treatment with conventional antipsychotic drugs may increase mortality. The extent to which the findings of increased mortality in observational studies may be attributed to the antipsychotic drug as opposed to some characteristic(s) of the patients is not clear. INVEGA TRINZA® is not approved for the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

5.2 Cerebrovascular Adverse Reactions, Including Stroke, in Elderly Patients with Dementia-Related Psychosis

In placebo-controlled trials with risperidone, aripiprazole, and olanzapine in elderly subjects with dementia, there was a higher incidence of cerebrovascular adverse reactions (cerebrovascular accidents and transient ischemic attacks) including fatalities compared to placebo-treated subjects. No studies have been conducted with oral paliperidone, the 1-month paliperidone palmitate extended-release injectable suspension, or INVEGA TRINZA® in elderly patients with dementia. These medications are not approved for the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

5.3 Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS), a potentially fatal symptom complex, has been reported in association with antipsychotic drugs, including paliperidone.

Clinical manifestations of NMS are hyperpyrexia, muscle rigidity, altered mental status including delirium, and autonomic instability (irregular pulse or blood pressure, tachycardia, diaphoresis, and cardiac dysrhythmia). Additional signs may include elevated creatine phosphokinase, myoglobinuria (rhabdomyolysis), and acute renal failure.

If NMS is suspected, immediately discontinue INVEGA TRINZA and provide symptomatic treatment and monitoring.

5.4 QT Prolongation

Paliperidone causes a modest increase in the corrected QT (QTc) interval. The use of paliperidone should be avoided in combination with other drugs that are known to prolong QTc including Class 1A (e.g., quinidine, procainamide) or Class III (e.g., amiodarone, sotalol) antiarrhythmic medications, antipsychotic medications (e.g., chlorpromazine, thioridazine), antibiotics (e.g., gatifloxacin, moxifloxacin), or any other class of medications known to prolong the QTc interval. Paliperidone should also be avoided in patients with congenital long QT syndrome and in patients with a history of cardiac arrhythmias.

Certain circumstances may increase the risk of the occurrence of Torsades de pointes and/or sudden death in association with the use of drugs that prolong the QTc interval, including (1) bradycardia; (2) hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia; (3) concomitant use of other drugs that prolong the QTc interval; and (4) presence of congenital prolongation of the QT interval.

The effects of paliperidone on the QT interval were evaluated in a double-blind, active-controlled (moxifloxacin 400 mg single dose), multicenter Thorough QT study with oral paliperidone in adult patients, and in four fixed-dose efficacy studies and one maintenance study of the 1-month paliperidone palmitate injectable product.

In the Thorough QT study (n=141), the 8 mg dose of immediate-release oral paliperidone (n=50) showed a mean placebo-subtracted increase from baseline in QTcLD (QT interval corrected for heart rate using the population specified linear derived method) of 12.3 msec (90% CI: 8.9; 15.6) on day 8 at 1.5 hours post-dose. The mean steady-state peak plasma concentration for this 8 mg dose of paliperidone immediate release (Cmax ss=113 ng/mL) was approximately 2-fold the exposure with the maximum recommended 819 mg dose of INVEGA TRINZA® administered in the deltoid muscle (predicted median Cmax ss=56 ng/mL). In this same study, a 4 mg dose of the immediate-release oral formulation of paliperidone, for which Cmax ss=35 ng/mL, showed an increased placebo-subtracted QTcLD of 6.8 msec (90% CI: 3.6; 10.1) on day 2 at 1.5 hours post-dose.

In the four fixed-dose efficacy studies of the 1-month paliperidone palmitate injectable product, no subject had a change in QTcLD exceeding 60 msec and no subject had a QTcLD value of > 500 msec at any time point. In the maintenance study, no subject had a QTcLD change > 60 msec, and one subject had a QTcLD value of 507 msec (Bazett's QT corrected interval [QTcB] value of 483 msec); this latter subject also had a heart rate of 45 beats per minute.

In the long-term maintenance trial of INVEGA TRINZA® in subjects with schizophrenia, an increase in QTcLD exceeding 60 msec was observed in 1 subject (< 1%) in the open-label phase, no subject had an increase in QTcLD exceeding 60 msec after treatment with INVEGA TRINZA® in the double-blind phase, and no subject had a QTcLD value of > 480 msec at any point in the study.

5.5 Tardive Dyskinesia

Tardive dyskinesia, a syndrome consisting of potentially irreversible, involuntary, dyskinetic movements, may develop in patients treated with antipsychotic drugs. Although the prevalence of the syndrome appears to be highest among the elderly, especially elderly women, it is impossible to predict which patients will develop the syndrome. Whether antipsychotic drug products differ in their potential to cause tardive dyskinesia is unknown.

The risk of developing tardive dyskinesia and the likelihood that it will become irreversible appear to increase with the duration of treatment and the cumulative dose. The syndrome can develop after relatively brief treatment periods, even at low doses. It may also occur after discontinuation of treatment.

Tardive dyskinesia may remit, partially or completely, if antipsychotic treatment is discontinued. Antipsychotic treatment, itself, however, may suppress (or partially suppress) the signs and symptoms of the syndrome possibly masking the underlying process. The effect that symptomatic suppression has upon the long-term course of the syndrome is unknown.

Given these considerations, INVEGA TRINZA® should be prescribed in a manner that is most likely to minimize the occurrence of tardive dyskinesia. Chronic antipsychotic treatment should generally be reserved for patients: (1) who suffer from a chronic illness that is known to respond to antipsychotic drugs, and (2) for whom alternative, equally effective, but potentially less harmful treatments are not available or appropriate. In patients who do require chronic treatment, use the lowest dose and the shortest duration of treatment producing a satisfactory clinical response. Periodically reassess the need for continued treatment.

If signs and symptoms of tardive dyskinesia appear in a patient treated with INVEGA TRINZA®, drug discontinuation should be considered. Consideration should be given to the long-acting nature of INVEGA TRINZA®. However, some patients may require treatment with INVEGA TRINZA® despite the presence of the syndrome.

5.6 Metabolic Changes

Atypical antipsychotic drugs have been associated with metabolic changes that may increase cardiovascular/cerebrovascular risk. These metabolic changes include hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and body weight gain. While all of the drugs in the class have been shown to produce some metabolic changes, each drug has its own specific risk profile.

5.7 Orthostatic Hypotension and Syncope

Paliperidone can induce orthostatic hypotension and syncope in some patients because of its alpha-adrenergic blocking activity. In the long-term maintenance trial, syncope was reported in < 1% (1/506) of subjects treated with the 1-month paliperidone palmitate extended-release injectable suspension during the open-label phase; there were no cases reported during the double-blind phase in either treatment group. In the long-term maintenance trial, orthostatic hypotension was reported as an adverse event by < 1% (1/506) of subjects treated with the 1-month paliperidone palmitate extended-release injectable suspension and < 1% (1/379) of subjects after receiving a single-dose of INVEGA TRINZA® during the open-label phase; there were no cases reported during the double-blind phase in either treatment group.

INVEGA TRINZA® should be used with caution in patients with known cardiovascular disease (e.g., heart failure, history of myocardial infarction or ischemia, conduction abnormalities), cerebrovascular disease, or conditions that predispose the patient to hypotension (e.g., dehydration, hypovolemia, and treatment with antihypertensive medications). Monitoring of orthostatic vital signs should be considered in patients who are vulnerable to hypotension.

5.8 Falls

Somnolence, postural hypotension, motor and sensory instability have been reported with the use of antipsychotics, including INVEGA TRINZA®, which may lead to falls and, consequently, fractures or other fall-related injuries. For patients, particularly the elderly, with diseases, conditions, or medications that could exacerbate these effects, assess the risk of falls when initiating antipsychotic treatment and recurrently for patients on long-term antipsychotic therapy.

5.9 Leukopenia, Neutropenia, and Agranulocytosis

In clinical trial and/or postmarketing experience, events of leukopenia and neutropenia have been reported temporally related to antipsychotic agents, including INVEGA TRINZA®. Agranulocytosis has also been reported.

Possible risk factors for leukopenia/neutropenia include pre-existing low white blood cell count (WBC)/absolute neutrophil count (ANC) and history of drug-induced leukopenia/neutropenia. In patients with a history of a clinically significant low WBC/ANC or a drug-induced leukopenia/neutropenia, perform a complete blood count (CBC) frequently during the first few months of therapy. In such patients, consider discontinuation of INVEGA TRINZA® at the first sign of a clinically significant decline in WBC in the absence of other causative factors.

Monitor patients with clinically significant neutropenia for fever or other symptoms or signs of infection and treated promptly if such symptoms or signs occur. Discontinue INVEGA TRINZA® in patients with severe neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count <1000/mm3) and follow their WBC until recovery.

5.10 Hyperprolactinemia

Like other drugs that antagonize dopamine D2 receptors, paliperidone elevates prolactin levels and the elevation persists during chronic administration. Paliperidone has a prolactin-elevating effect similar to that seen with risperidone, a drug that is associated with higher levels of prolactin than other antipsychotic drugs.

Hyperprolactinemia, regardless of etiology, may suppress hypothalamic GnRH, resulting in reduced pituitary gonadotrophin secretion. This, in turn, may inhibit reproductive function by impairing gonadal steroidogenesis in both female and male patients. Galactorrhea, amenorrhea, gynecomastia, and impotence have been reported in patients receiving prolactin-elevating compounds. Long-standing hyperprolactinemia when associated with hypogonadism may lead to decreased bone density in both female and male subjects.

Tissue culture experiments indicate that approximately one-third of human breast cancers are prolactin dependent in vitro, a factor of potential importance if the prescription of these drugs is considered in a patient with previously detected breast cancer. An increase in the incidence of pituitary gland, mammary gland, and pancreatic islet cell neoplasia (mammary adenocarcinomas, pituitary and pancreatic adenomas) was observed in the risperidone carcinogenicity studies conducted in mice and rats [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1)]. Neither clinical studies nor epidemiologic studies conducted to date have shown an association between chronic administration of this class of drugs and tumorigenesis in humans, but the available evidence is too limited to be conclusive.

In a long-term maintenance trial of INVEGA TRINZA®, elevations of prolactin to above the reference range (>13.13 ng/mL in males and >26.72 ng/mL in females) relative to open-label baseline at any time during the double-blind phase were noted in a higher percentage of males in the INVEGA TRINZA® group than in the placebo group (46% vs. 25%) and in a higher percentage of females in the INVEGA TRINZA® group than in the placebo group (32% vs. 15%). During the double-blind phase, 1 female (2.4%) in the INVEGA TRINZA® group experienced an adverse reaction of amenorrhea, while no potentially prolactin-related adverse reactions were noted among females in the placebo group. There were no potentially prolactin-related adverse reactions among males in either group.

Prior to the double-blind phase (during the 29-week open-label phase of the long-term maintenance trial), the mean (SD) serum prolactin values at baseline in males (N=368) were 17.1 (13.55) ng/mL and 51.6 (40.85) ng/mL in females (N=122). Twelve weeks after a single injection of INVEGA TRINZA® at the end of the open-label phase, mean (SD) prolactin values were 25.8 (13.49) ng/mL in males (N=322) and 70.6 (40.23) ng/mL in females (N=107). During the open-label phases 27% of females and 42% of males experienced elevations of prolactin above the reference range relative to baseline, and a higher proportion of females experienced potentially prolactin-related adverse reactions compared to males (7.9% vs. 3.7%). Amenorrhea (4.7%) and galactorrhea (3.1%) were the most commonly observed (≥3%) potentially prolactin-related adverse reactions in females. Among males in the open-label phase, no potentially prolactin-related adverse reaction was observed with a rate greater than 3%.

5.11 Potential for Cognitive and Motor Impairment

Somnolence, sedation, and dizziness were reported as adverse reactions in subjects treated with INVEGA TRINZA® [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Antipsychotics, including INVEGA TRINZA®, have the potential to impair judgment, thinking, or motor skills. Patients should be cautioned about performing activities requiring mental alertness, such as operating hazardous machinery or operating a motor vehicle, until they are reasonably certain that paliperidone therapy does not adversely affect them.

5.12 Seizures

In the long-term maintenance trial there were no reports of seizures or convulsions. In the pivotal clinical studies with the 1-month paliperidone palmitate extended-release injectable suspension which included four fixed-dose, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies in subjects with schizophrenia, <1% (1/1293) of subjects treated with the 1-month injection experienced an adverse event of convulsion compared with <1% (1/510) of placebo-treated subjects who experienced an adverse event of grand mal convulsion.

Like other antipsychotic drugs, INVEGA TRINZA® should be used cautiously in patients with a history of seizures or other conditions that potentially lower the seizure threshold. Conditions that lower the seizure threshold may be more prevalent in patients 65 years or older.

5.13 Dysphagia

Esophageal dysmotility and aspiration have been associated with antipsychotic drug use. INVEGA TRINZA® and other antipsychotic drugs should be used cautiously in patients at risk for aspiration pneumonia.

5.14 Priapism

Drugs with alpha-adrenergic blocking effects have been reported to induce priapism. Although no cases of priapism have been reported in clinical trials with INVEGA TRINZA®, priapism has been reported with oral paliperidone during postmarketing surveillance. Severe priapism may require surgical intervention.

5.15 Disruption of Body Temperature Regulation

Disruption of the body's ability to reduce core body temperature has been attributed to antipsychotic agents. Appropriate care is advised when prescribing INVEGA TRINZA® to patients who will be experiencing conditions which may contribute to an elevation in core body temperature, e.g., exercising strenuously, exposure to extreme heat, receiving concomitant medication with anticholinergic activity, or being subject to dehydration.

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice.

6.2 Postmarketing Experience

The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of paliperidone; because these reactions were reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure: angioedema, catatonia, ileus, somnambulism, swollen tongue, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, urinary incontinence, and urinary retention.

Cases of anaphylactic reaction after injection with the 1-month paliperidone palmitate extended-release suspension have been reported during postmarketing experience in patients who have previously tolerated oral risperidone or oral paliperidone.

Paliperidone is the major active metabolite of risperidone. Adverse reactions reported with oral risperidone and risperidone long-acting injection can be found in the Adverse Reactions (6) sections of the package inserts for those products.

7.1 Drugs Having Clinically Important Interactions with INVEGA TRINZA®

Because paliperidone palmitate is hydrolyzed to paliperidone [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)], results from studies with oral paliperidone should be taken into consideration when assessing drug-drug interaction potential. In addition, consider the 3-month dosing interval and long half-life of INVEGA TRINZA® [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

7.2 Drugs Having No Clinically Important Interactions with INVEGA TRINZA®

Based on pharmacokinetic studies with oral paliperidone, no dosage adjustment of INVEGA TRINZA® is required when administered concomitantly with valproate [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Additionally, no dosage adjustment is necessary for valproate when co-administered with INVEGA TRINZA® [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Pharmacokinetic interaction between lithium and INVEGA TRINZA® is unlikely.

Paliperidone is not expected to cause clinically important pharmacokinetic interactions with drugs that are metabolized by cytochrome P450 isozymes. In vitro studies indicate that CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 may be involved in paliperidone metabolism; however, there is no evidence in vivo that inhibitors of these enzymes significantly affect the metabolism of paliperidone. Paliperidone is not a substrate of CYP1A2, CYP2A6, CYP2C9, and CYP2C19; an interaction with inhibitors or inducers of these isozymes is unlikely. [See Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]

8.1 Pregnancy

8.2 Lactation

8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential

8.4 Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness of INVEGA TRINZA® in patients less than 18 years of age have not been established. Use of INVEGA TRINZA® is not recommended in pediatric patients because of the potential longer duration of an adverse event compared to shorter-acting products. In clinical trials of oral paliperidone, there were notably higher incidences of dystonia, hyperkinesia, tremor, and parkinsonism in the adolescent population as compared to the adult studies.

8.5 Geriatric Use

Clinical studies of INVEGA TRINZA® did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients.

This drug is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney and clearance is decreased in patients with renal impairment [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)], who should be given reduced doses. Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, monitor renal function and adjust dosage [see Dosage and Administration (2.5)].

8.6 Renal Impairment

Use of INVEGA TRINZA® is not recommended in patients with moderate or severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 50 mL/min). Use of INVEGA TRINZA® in patients with mild renal impairment (creatinine clearance ≥ 50 mL/min to < 80 mL/min) is based on the previous dose of the 1-month paliperidone palmitate extended-release injectable suspension that the patient was stabilized on prior to initiation of INVEGA TRINZA® [see Dosage and Administration (2.5) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

8.7 Hepatic Impairment

INVEGA TRINZA® has not been studied in patients with hepatic impairment. Based on a study with oral paliperidone, no dose adjustment is required in patients with mild or moderate hepatic impairment. Paliperidone has not been studied in patients with severe hepatic impairment [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

8.8 Patients with Parkinson's Disease or Lewy Body Dementia

Patients with Parkinson's Disease or Dementia with Lewy Bodies can experience increased sensitivity to INVEGA TRINZA®. Manifestations can include confusion, obtundation, postural instability with frequent falls, extrapyramidal symptoms, and clinical features consistent with neuroleptic malignant syndrome.

9.1 Controlled Substance

INVEGA TRINZA® (paliperidone) is not a controlled substance.

9.2 Abuse

Paliperidone has not been systematically studied in animals or humans for its potential for abuse.

9.3 Dependence

Paliperidone has not been systematically studied in animals or humans for its potential for tolerance or physical dependence.

10.1 Human Experience

No cases of overdose were reported in premarketing studies with paliperidone palmitate injection. Because INVEGA TRINZA® is to be administered by healthcare professionals, the potential for overdosage by patients is low.

While experience with paliperidone overdose is limited, among the few cases of overdose reported in premarketing trials with oral paliperidone, the highest estimated ingestion was 405 mg. Observed signs and symptoms included extrapyramidal symptoms and gait unsteadiness. Other potential signs and symptoms include those resulting from an exaggeration of paliperidone's known pharmacological effects, i.e., drowsiness and sedation, tachycardia and hypotension, and QT prolongation. Torsades de pointes and ventricular fibrillation have been reported in a patient in the setting of overdose with oral paliperidone.

Paliperidone is the major active metabolite of risperidone. Overdose experience reported with risperidone can be found in the OVERDOSAGE section of the risperidone package insert.

10.2 Management of Overdosage

Contact a Certified Poison Control Center for the most up to date information on the management of paliperidone and INVEGA TRINZA® overdosage (1-800-222-1222 or www.poison.org). Provide supportive care, including close medical supervision and monitoring. Treatment should consist of general measures employed in the management of overdosage with any drug. Consider the possibility of multiple drug overdosage. Ensure an adequate airway, oxygenation, and ventilation. Monitor cardiac rhythm and vital signs. Use supportive and symptomatic measures. There is no specific antidote to paliperidone.

Consider the prolonged-release characteristics of INVEGA TRINZA® and the long apparent half-life of paliperidone when assessing treatment needs and recovery.

12.1 Mechanism of Action

Paliperidone palmitate is hydrolyzed to paliperidone [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Paliperidone is the major active metabolite of risperidone. The mechanism of action of paliperidone is unclear. However, the drug's therapeutic effect in schizophrenia could be mediated through a combination of central dopamine Type 2 (D2) and serotonin Type 2 (5HT2A) receptor antagonism.

12.2 Pharmacodynamics

In vitro, paliperidone acts as an antagonist at the central dopamine Type 2 (D2) and serotonin Type 2 (5HT2A) receptors with binding affinities (Ki values) of 1.6–2.8 nM for D2 and 0.8–1.2 nM for 5HT2A receptors. Paliperidone is also active as an antagonist at the α1 and α2 adrenergic receptors and H1 histaminergic receptors, which may explain some of the other effects of the drug. Paliperidone has no affinity for cholinergic muscarinic or β1- and β2-adrenergic receptors. The pharmacological activity of the (+)- and (-)- paliperidone enantiomers is qualitatively and quantitatively similar in vitro.

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

13.2 Animal Toxicology and/or Pharmacology

Injection site toxicity was assessed in minipigs injected intramuscularly with the 3-month paliperidone palmitate extended-release injectable suspension at doses up to 819 mg, which is equal to the MRHD. Injection site inflammatory reactions were greater and more advanced than reactions to the 1-month paliperidone palmitate extended-release injectable suspension. Reversibility of these findings was not examined.

Storage and Handling

Store at room temperature 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F) are permitted. Do not mix with any other product or diluent.

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)

Counsel patients about a potentially fatal adverse reaction, Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS), that has been reported in association with administration of antipsychotic drugs. Advise patients, family members, or caregivers to contact their healthcare provider or report to the emergency room if they experience signs and symptoms of NMS, including hyperpyrexia, muscle rigidity, altered mental status including delirium, and evidence of autonomic instability (irregular pulse or blood pressure, tachycardia, diaphoresis, and cardiac dysrhythmia) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].

Tardive Dyskinesia

Counsel patients on the signs and symptoms of tardive dyskinesia and to contact their healthcare provider if these abnormal movements occur [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].

Metabolic Changes

Educate patients about the risk of metabolic changes, how to recognize symptoms of hyperglycemia and diabetes mellitus, and the need for specific monitoring, including blood glucose, lipids, and weight [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)].

Orthostatic Hypotension

Educate patients about the risk of orthostatic hypotension and syncope, particularly at the time of initiating treatment, re-initiating treatment, or increasing the dose [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)].

Leukopenia/Neutropenia

Advise patients with a pre-existing low WBC or a history of drug induced leukopenia/neutropenia that they should have their CBC monitored while taking INVEGA TRINZA® [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)].

Hyperprolactinemia

Counsel patients on signs and symptoms of hyperprolactinemia that may be associated with chronic use of INVEGA TRINZA®. Advise them to seek medical attention if they experience any of the following: amenorrhea or galactorrhea in females, erectile dysfunction or gynecomastia in males. [See Warnings and Precautions (5.10)]

Interference with Cognitive and Motor Performance

Caution patients about performing activities requiring mental alertness, such as operating hazardous machinery, or operating a motor vehicle until they are reasonably certain that INVEGA TRINZA® therapy does not affect them adversely [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11)].

Priapism

Advise patients of the possibility of painful or prolonged penile erections (priapism). Instruct the patient to seek immediate medical attention in the event of priapism [Warnings and Precautions (5.14)].

Heat Exposure and Dehydration

Counsel patients regarding appropriate care in avoiding overheating and dehydration [see Warnings and Precautions (5.15)].

Concomitant Medication

Advise patients to inform their healthcare providers if they are taking, or plan to take any prescription or over-the-counter medications, because there is a potential for clinically significant interactions [see Drug Interactions (7)].

Alcohol

Advise patients to avoid alcohol during treatment with INVEGA TRINZA® [see Drug Interactions (7.1)].

Pregnancy

Advise patients to notify their healthcare provider if they become pregnant or intend to become pregnant during treatment with INVEGA TRINZA®. Advise patients that INVEGA TRINZA® may cause extrapyramidal and/or withdrawal symptoms in a neonate. Advise patients that there is a pregnancy registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to INVEGA TRINZA® during pregnancy [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].

Lactation

Advise breastfeeding women using INVEGA TRINZA® to monitor infants for somnolence, failure to thrive, jitteriness, and extrapyramidal symptoms (tremors and abnormal muscle movements) and to seek medical care if they notice these signs [see Use in Specific Populations (8.2)].

Infertility

Advise females of reproductive potential that INVEGA TRINZA® may impair fertility due to an increase in serum prolactin levels. The effects on fertility are reversible [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3)].

INVEGA TRINZA® (paliperidone palmitate) Extended-Release Injectable Suspension

INVEGA SUSTENNA®, RISPERDAL®, and RISPERDAL CONSTA® are trademarks of Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.