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Invega Hafyera

paliperidone
Used for Schizophrenia

Invega Hafyera (paliperidone) is a long-acting atypical antipsychotic. It's used to treat adults with schizophrenia. This medication is injected under the skin by a healthcare professional every 6 months. But it's only for people who've already tried and is stable on either the once-monthly injection (Invega Sustenna) or the every-3-month injection (Invega Trinza). Common side effects of Invega Hafyera (paliperidone) include upper respiratory tract infection, pain or swelling around the injection site, and weight gain.

Reviewed by:
reviewerKristianne Hannemann, PharmD
reviewerConnie Zheng, PharmD
Last reviewed on December 3, 2023
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What is Invega Hafyera (paliperidone)?

What is Invega Hafyera (paliperidone) used for?

How Invega Hafyera (paliperidone) works

Invega Hafyera (paliperidone) is an atypical antipsychotic. It can affect dopamine and serotonin levels in your brain, which helps control your thoughts, mood, and behaviors.

Drug facts

Common BrandsInvega Hafyera
Drug ClassAtypical antipsychotic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Common questions about Invega Hafyera (paliperidone)

Invega Sustenna (paliperidone) and Invega Hafyera (paliperidone) both contain the same active ingredient, but they have some differences. Invega Sustenna is FDA-approved to treat people with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder, but Invega Hafyera is only approved to treat schizophrenia. In addition, Invega Sustenna is injected into the muscle once a month, while Invega Hafyera is injected once every 6 months. If you've been taking Invega Sustenna for at least 4 months and your condition has been stable, you can ask your provider if Invega Hafyera is a good option for you.

Weight gain is a common side effect of antipsychotics, including Invega Hafyera (paliperidone). In clinical studies, 9% of people taking this medication reported weight gain as a side effect. To limit weight gain, remember to eat healthy and exercise for at least 30 minutes a day. If you're concerned about your weight, work with your healthcare provider to make a treatment plan that works for you.

If you miss a dose of Invega Hafyera (paliperidone), call your provider right away so they can reschedule your appointment. If you missed your dose by 3 weeks or less, you can make up the missed dose as soon as possible, and continue with the Invega Hafyera (paliperidone) injections once every 6 months. But if you've missed your dose by longer than 3 weeks, your provider will ask you to get doses of Invega Sustenna before restarting Invega Hafyera (paliperidone). Contact your provider for specific instructions.

Yes. It's possible to get Invega Hafyera (paliperidone) up to 2 weeks before your scheduled 6-month dose. If you need to get your injection early, contact your provider to get it rescheduled.

Your healthcare provider will inject Invega Hafyera (paliperidone) into your gluteal (buttocks) muscle. Keep track of the site where they inject it each time; your provider will need to alternate between the 2 sides for each injection.

It's best if you can avoid drinking alcohol while taking Invega Hafyera (paliperidone). Drinking alcohol can worsen some of the side effects of the medication, such as dizziness and sleepiness. Drinking alcohol can also worsen your condition by raising your risk for depression and anxiety. If you've been drinking alcohol regularly and it's difficult for you to stop, talk with your provider. They can recommend resources to help you stop or give you guidance on what might be a safer amount to drink while you're receiving treatment.

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Invega Hafyera (paliperidone) dosage

Typical dosage for Invega Hafyera (paliperidone)

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Interactions between Invega Hafyera (paliperidone) and other drugs

Invega Hafyera (paliperidone) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Invega Hafyera (paliperidone). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

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What are alternatives to Invega Hafyera (paliperidone)?

There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Invega Hafyera (paliperidone). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
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References

Best studies we found

Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2021). Invega Hafyera- paliperidone palmitate injection, suspension, extended release [package insert]. DailyMed.

GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.

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