Pimavanserin Capsules or Tablets

What is this medication?

PIMAVANSERIN (pi ma VAN ser in) treats hallucinations and delusions in people with Parkinson disease. It works by balancing substances in your brain that help regulate mood, behaviors, and thoughts. It does not help with body movements or coordination. It belongs to a group of medications called antipsychotics.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): NUPLAZID

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Dementia
• Heart disease
• History of irregular heartbeat
• Kidney disease
• Low levels of magnesium or potassium in the blood
• An unusual or allergic reaction to pimavanserin, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the capsules whole. You can take it with or without food. You may open the capsule and put the contents in 1 tablespoon of applesauce, yogurt, pudding, or a liquid nutritional supplement. Swallow the medication and food mixture right away. Do not chew the medication or food. Take your medication at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your care team's advice.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. This medication is not approved for use in children.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Certain medications for fungal infections like fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole
• Cisapride
• Dronedarone
• Pimozide
• Thioridazine

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Carbamazepine
• Certain antivirals for HIV or hepatitis like ritonavir
• Certain antibiotics like clarithromycin, gatifloxacin, moxifloxacin
• Certain medications for irregular heart beat like amiodarone, disopyramide, propafenone, quinidine, sotalol
• Fosphenytoin
• Modafinil
• Nafcillin
• Phenobarbital
• Primidone
• Phenytoin
• Other medications for psychotic disturbances
• Other medications that prolong the QT interval (cause an abnormal heart rhythm) like dofetilide
• Rifampin
• St. John's Wort

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• Confusion
• Constipation
• Drowsiness
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.