What to Note before Using Latuda
Stay away from Latuda if you’re allergic to lurasidone. Taking certain drugs with latuda may lead to some harmful side effects. Your doctor will advise you to not use certain drugs with lurasidone. Your doctor may recommend changing your treatment plan if you also take:
- An antiviral such as ritonavir
- Antifungal medicine such as ketoconazole or voriconazole [1]
- An antibiotic such as clarithromycin or rifampin [2]
- John’s wort
- Seizure drugs like phenytoin or carbamazepine [3]
Latuda should not be used to treat dementia with some psychotic related conditions. Studies show that lurasidone may increase the risk of death in older adults diagnosed with dementia-related conditions.
Let your doctor know if you have ever had:
- Heart disease or a stroke
- High cholesterol or triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood)
- Diabetes or high blood sugar (in you or your family) [4]
- Breast cancer [5]
- High or low blood pressure
- A seizure [6]
- Low white blood cell (WBC) counts;
- Abnormal hormone function tests (thyroid, pituitary gland)
- Liver or kidney disease
- Suicidal thoughts or actions.
Taking latuda with some drugs may increase your chances of having suicidal thoughts. Your healthcare provider will observe your progress at regular visits. Your family and friends should also pay close attention to any changes in your symptoms or mood.
Avoid using antipsychotic drugs in the third trimester of pregnancy, as it can lead to serious breathing problems, withdrawal symptoms in the newborn, and feeding problems. Contact your doctor immediately if you get pregnant. Use latuda as prescribed by your doctor and do not stop until your doctor tells you to.
Your doctor may add your name to a pregnancy registry to monitor the effects of the drug on the baby. Do not breastfeed a baby while you’re taking latuda. Talk to your doctor to learn about any risk associated with taking the drug while pregnant. Do not take latuda if you are younger than 13 years. People younger than 10 years with depression should avoid using latuda.