Latuda (Lurasidone Hydrochloride)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Latuda Used For?
Latuda contains the active ingredient lurasidone hydrochloride and belongs to a group of medicines called atypical antipsychotics. It helps correct chemical imbalances in the brain that may cause mental illness.
Primary Uses
Latuda is used to treat adults and adolescents (aged 13 years and over) with schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a mental illness with disturbances in thinking, feelings and behaviour.
How It Works
Latuda helps to correct chemical imbalances in the brain, which may cause mental illness. It helps control your condition but does not cure it.
Good to know: Latuda is not addictive or habit forming.
How to Take Latuda
Your doctor or pharmacist will tell you how many tablets you need to take each day. This depends on your condition and whether you are taking any other medicines.
Dosage Instructions
Unless your doctor gives you other directions, take Latuda only once a day. Swallow tablets whole with a glass of water – do not chew them. Take Latuda during or immediately after food, consider taking with your evening meal. Continue taking the tablets for as long as your doctor tells you.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss your dose at the usual time, take it as soon as you remember, then go back to taking your medicine normally. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when you’re meant to. If you’re not sure what to do, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Important: Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed. This may increase the chance of getting an unwanted side effect.
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- restlessness, agitation, anxiety
- unusual movements including trembling and shaking
- dizziness
- sleepiness or difficulty sleeping
- feeling sick, vomiting, diarrhoea
- abdominal pain, indigestion, decreased appetite
- breast swelling, unusual breast milk secretion
- missed or irregular menstrual periods
- blurred vision
- back pain
- high or low blood pressure
- falls
- weight gain
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- severe allergic reaction (skin rash, swelling, breathing difficulty)
- temporary paralysis or severe muscle spasms
- uncontrolled tongue or mouth movements
- neuroleptic malignant syndrome (sudden fever, confusion, muscle stiffness)
- seizures
- suicidal thoughts or behaviour
- stroke symptoms in elderly
- blood clot symptoms (severe headache, vision loss, chest pain)
- frequent infections (fever, chills, sore throat)
Important Warnings
There are some people who shouldn’t take Latuda and certain medical conditions you should discuss with your doctor before starting treatment.
Who Should Not Take Latuda
Do not use Latuda if you are allergic to lurasidone hydrochloride or any ingredients, or if you are taking certain medicines that affect how your body processes Latuda including: ketoconazole or voriconazole (fungal infections), ritonavir (HIV), carbamazepine or phenytoin (seizures), rifampicin or clarithromycin (bacterial infections), or St. John’s wort (depression).
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: dementia-related psychosis, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, tardive dyskinesia, blood diseases with reduced white blood cells, diabetes or high blood sugar, seizures, suicidal thoughts, heart disease, high cholesterol, blood pressure problems, blood clots, stroke, liver or kidney problems, breast cancer, pituitary tumours, high prolactin levels, difficulty swallowing, weight gain, or sleep apnoea.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Latuda is not recommended during pregnancy. Newborn babies exposed to antipsychotic medicines during the third trimester are at risk of movement problems and withdrawal symptoms. It’s recommended not to breastfeed while taking Latuda as it may pass into breast milk.
Elderly Patients With Dementia: Latuda is not approved for treatment of elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis or behavioural disorders. Medicines like Latuda can increase the risk of death in elderly people who have memory loss (dementia).
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Latuda and affect how it works. Tell your doctor about all medicines, vitamins or supplements you are taking.
Grapefruit interaction: Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice during treatment with Latuda. Grapefruit may affect the amount of Latuda in your blood, leading to higher and unpredictable levels.
- ketoconazole or voriconazole (fungal infections)
- ritonavir (HIV infection)
- carbamazepine (seizures)
- phenytoin (seizures and heart conditions)
- rifampicin or clarithromycin (bacterial infections)
- St. John’s wort (depression)
Alcohol & Driving
Be careful with alcohol consumption and avoid driving until you know how Latuda affects you.
Alcohol
Tell your doctor how much alcohol you drink. People who drink excessive quantities of alcohol should not take Latuda.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how Latuda affects you. Latuda may impair judgement, thinking or motor skills in some people. Speak with your doctor about when you can resume these activities.
Temperature Regulation
Do not become too hot or dehydrated while taking Latuda as your body’s ability to reduce core body temperature may be affected. Tell your doctor if you participate in activities that may contribute to elevated body temperature or dehydration.
Storage
Keep tablets in the pack until it’s time to take them. Store in a cool dry place where temperature stays below 30°C. Keep away from moisture, heat or sunlight – do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car or on window sills. Keep where children cannot reach them.
Overdose Information
If you take too much Latuda, you may experience fast, slow or irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, reduced alertness, seizures, or uncontrolled muscle spasms. Immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Latuda is not addictive or habit forming.
Yes, you should take Latuda during or immediately after food. Consider taking it with your evening meal.
Do not stop taking Latuda suddenly without checking with your doctor. If you stop suddenly, your condition may worsen or your chance of getting unwanted side effects may increase. Your doctor may gradually reduce your dose before stopping completely.
Tell your doctor how much alcohol you drink. People who drink excessive quantities of alcohol should not take Latuda.
No, avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice during treatment with Latuda. Grapefruit may affect the amount of Latuda in your blood, leading to higher and unpredictable levels.
Latuda is not approved for treatment of elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis or behavioural disorders. Medicines like Latuda can increase the risk of death in elderly people who have memory loss (dementia).
If you miss your dose, take it as soon as you remember, then go back to taking your medicine normally. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.