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Overview: Fanapt is an oral tablet that is used to treat schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Common side effects include dizziness, dry mouth, sleepiness, and a stuffy nose. Fanapt can affect your alertness or coordination. It can also affect your body’s ability to regulate temperature. Try to avoid getting overheated, stay hydrated, and wear light and breathable clothing while you are taking Fanapt.

Uses

What is Fanapt used for?

Fanapt (iloperidone) is commonly used for the following mental health conditions.

Fanapt may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Fanapt work (mechanism of action)?

Fanapt belongs to a group of medicines called second-generation (atypical) antipsychotics. It is thought to work by balancing brain chemicals called serotonin and dopamine. These chemicals are known to affect thoughts and mood.

How is Fanapt supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Fanapt

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 1 mg oral tablets
  • 2 mg oral tablets
  • 4 mg oral tablets
  • 6 mg oral tablets
  • 8 mg oral tablets
  • 10 mg oral tablets
  • 12 mg oral tablets

How should I store Fanapt?

Fanapt should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store it in a cool, dry place, and protect from light and moisture.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Fanapt?

The most common side effects of Fanapt are listed below. These side effects may vary based on the condition being treated. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Dizziness
  • Dry mouth
  • Drowsiness, sleepiness, or tiredness
  • Stuffy nose
  • Low blood pressure when standing (see below)
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Weight gain
  • Increased liver enzymes

There may be other side effects of Fanapt that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Fanapt?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Fanapt are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Fanapt may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Fanapt and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Heart Rhythm Changes. Fanapt may cause a rare, dangerous heart rhythm problem called QT prolongation and torsade de pointes. Some people have a higher risk of this, including people who are older, have other people in their family who have had these conditions, have low potassium or magnesium levels, or who take medicines that prolong the QT interval. Tell your health care provider right away if you faint or have changes in your heart rate or rhythm, such as a fast or skipping heartbeat.

Metabolism Changes. Fanapt can cause high blood sugar levels or diabetes, high cholesterol levels, and weight gain. Keep all appointments with your health care provider to check your bloodwork and weight. Call your health care provider if you gain weight or have the following symptoms of high blood sugar.

  • Thirsty more than usual
  • Peeing more than usual
  • Increase in hunger
  • Tiredness
  • Feeling sick to your stomach
  • Confusion
  • Your breath smelling fruity

Uncontrolled Movements. Fanapt can cause some people to have movements that they cannot control. This condition, called tardive dyskinesia (TD), can cause jerky movements of the face, tongue, or body. TD can be permanent. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of TD.

  • Tongue sticking out
  • Lip smacking or puckering
  • Grimacing
  • Rapid eye blinking
  • Jerking or twisting motion of the arms, legs, or trunk

Low Blood Pressure Upon Standing (Orthostatic Hypotension) and Falls. Fanapt may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure when you stand up from a seated or lying position. Some people faint or even fall when this happens. To help prevent this, be careful not to get up too quickly. If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down right away until the dizziness stops, then take your time getting up again. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of orthostatic hypotension.

  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting upon standing
  • Blurred vision
  • Confusion
  • Feeling weak

Trouble Swallowing. Fanapt can cause trouble swallowing (dysphagia), which can increase your risk of choking while eating or drinking. Eat small amounts of food, and chew your food well. Get emergency help if you are choking or have food stuck in your esophagus that is not passing.

Seizures. Some people who have taken Fanapt have reported having seizures. There are many types of seizures, and some of them are not easy to recognize. Stop taking Fanapt and call your health care provider if you have any of the following signs that a seizure is happening or could happen.

  • Muscle twitching, jerking, spasms, tremors, or other uncontrolled movements
  • Stiffening of your arms and legs
  • Feeling anxious, nervous, confused, or a sense of dread
  • Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
  • Falling or losing consciousness

Decreased Alertness or Coordination. Fanapt can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how Fanapt affects you.

Blood Disorders. Fanapt can cause blood disorders, such as low white blood cell levels (leukopenia, neutropenia, or agranulocytosis). Keep all appointments with your health care provider to check your bloodwork. Stop taking Fanapt and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of blood disorders.

  • Fever
  • Shortness of breath
  • Frequent infection
  • Unusual weakness or tiredness
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass out
  • Headache
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat

Body Temperature Regulation. Fanapt can affect your ability to regulate your body temperature. This could make you become very hot, especially in hot weather or after exercising a lot. You should drink water and avoid overheating and dehydration. Call your health care provider right away if you are severely ill and have the following symptoms of dehydration.

  • Excessive or no sweating
  • Dry mouth
  • Feeling very hot
  • Feeling thirsty 
  • Not able to pee

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS). Antipsychotic medicines, like Fanapt, may cause a rare but serious condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome. NMS can lead to death. Stop taking Fanapt and contact your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • High fever
  • Muscle stiffness or rigidity, where it is hard to move
  • Confusion 
  • Changes in your breathing or heart rate
  • Increased sweating

High Prolactin Level (Hyperprolactinemia). Fanapt may cause an increased level of the hormone prolactin in your blood. High levels of prolactin could lead to fertility or bone problems. Contact your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Vaginal dryness
  • Irregular or no periods
  • Production of breast milk when not pregnant or nursing
  • Inability to get or keep an erection
  • Enlarged breast size (gynecomastia)
  • Decreased muscle and body hair

Painful, Prolonged Erection (Priapism). Fanapt may cause an unwanted erection that is persistent, painful, and that may happen without sexual arousal. Permanent damage to the penis may occur if priapism is not treated quickly. Stop taking Fanapt and get emergency help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of priapism.

  • Erection lasting for more than four hours
  • Erection that is unrelated to sexual stimulation
  • Painful or tender penis

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Fanapt?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Fanapt.

  • Fanapt
  • Iloperidone
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Fanapt.

What should I know about Fanapt before using it?

Do not take Fanapt unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share Fanapt with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Fanapt out of the reach of children.

Because Fanapt can make it hard for you to regulate your body temperature, try to avoid becoming too hot or dehydrated. Drink plenty of water, limit your exposure to the heat and sun, do not overexercise, and wear light and breathable clothing.

People who are 65 or older can be at greater risk of some side effects from Fanapt. Talk to your health care provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Fanapt?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Fanapt is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have or have had any of the following.

Planned Eye Surgery. Taking Fanapt may raise the risk of eye problems during or after cataract or glaucoma surgery. Tell your health care provider if you are planning to have eye surgery. They may recommend that you wait until after the surgery is over to start Fanapt.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Fanapt may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Fanapt, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Psychosis Related to Dementia. There is a higher risk of death, stroke, or ministroke in older adults who take Fanapt or another antipsychotic and have memory loss or psychosis related to dementia. Fanapt is not approved to treat dementia-related psychosis.

Pregnancy. Fanapt taken later in pregnancy may lead to an increased risk of certain problems in your newborn. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while taking Fanapt. Your health care provider will advise you if you should take Fanapt while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking Fanapt, you can register with the National Pregnancy Registry for Atypical Antipsychotics by calling 866-961-2388 or at womensmentalhealth.org/research/pregnancyregistry. This registry collects safety information about the use of psychiatric medicines during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Fanapt passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take Fanapt while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Fanapt?

For more information about Fanapt, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at fanapt.com or call them at 844-468-2632.

Interactions

Does Fanapt interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Fanapt and foods or drinks.

You should avoid drinking alcohol while taking Fanapt. Drinking alcohol while taking Fanapt could increase your risk of dizziness, sleepiness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting upon standing.

Does Fanapt interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking Fanapt.

  • Paroxetine or fluoxetine, which is a medicine commonly used for anxiety and depression
  • Itraconazole (Sporanox, Tolsura), ketoconazole, posaconazole (Noxafil), or voriconazole (Vfend), which is a medicine used for fungal infections
  • Clarithromycin, which is a medicine to treat infections
  • A medicine for high blood pressure
  • Any medicine that can cause QT prolongation, which is a potentially dangerous heart rhythm problem
  • An anticholinergic medicine, which includes antihistamines and medicines commonly used for overactive bladder, Parkinson’s disease, or stomach problems
  • Any other medicine that causes dizziness and sleepiness, such as prescription pain medicines, sleep medicines, and medicines for anxiety

Many other medicines may alter the blood levels of Fanapt. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Fanapt. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Fanapt?

If you or someone else has used too much Fanapt, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Fanapt?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.