Caplyta 21mg Capsules
Overview
What is this medicine?
How to Use This Medicine
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. Take your medication as directed, with or without food, and continue taking it even if you feel well. It's essential to follow your doctor's or healthcare provider's advice on dosage and duration of treatment.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
Store your medication at room temperature in a dry place, avoiding the bathroom. Keep all medications in a safe location, out of reach of children and pets. When disposing of unused or expired medications, do not flush them down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless instructed to do so. Instead, consult your pharmacist for guidance on the best disposal method. You may also want to check if there are drug take-back programs available in your area.
Missing a Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses to make up for the missed one.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Take Caplyta with food (at least 350 calories) to ensure proper absorption and reduce side effects.
- Do not crush, chew, or open the capsule; swallow it whole.
- Avoid alcohol while taking Caplyta, as it can increase drowsiness and dizziness.
- Be cautious when driving or operating machinery until you know how Caplyta affects you, as it can cause drowsiness and dizziness.
- Regularly monitor your weight, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels as advised by your doctor.
- Stay hydrated, especially if experiencing dry mouth.
- Report any new or worsening side effects, especially unusual movements, fever, muscle stiffness, or changes in mood/behavior.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Condition-Specific Dosing:
Pediatric Dosing
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Hepatic Impairment:
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Distribution:
Elimination:
Pharmacodynamics
Safety & Warnings
BLACK BOX WARNING
Side Effects
Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical attention:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash or hives
+ Itching or red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever)
+ Wheezing or tightness in the chest or throat
+ Difficulty breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of high blood sugar, including:
+ Confusion or feeling sleepy
+ Unusual thirst or hunger
+ Frequent urination
+ Flushing or fast breathing
+ Breath that smells like fruit
Severe dizziness or fainting
Seizures
Trouble controlling body movements, twitching, or changes in balance
Difficulty swallowing or speaking
Inability to sweat during physical activity or in warm temperatures
Low white blood cell count, which can increase the risk of infection (especially if you have a history of low white blood cell count)
Signs of infection, such as fever, chills, or sore throat
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), a rare but potentially life-threatening condition, characterized by:
+ Fever
+ Muscle cramps or stiffness
+ Dizziness
+ Severe headache
+ Confusion or changes in thinking
+ Fast or irregular heartbeat
+ Excessive sweating
Tardive dyskinesia, a severe muscle problem that may cause:
+ Involuntary movements or twitching
+ Trouble controlling body movements
+ Problems with the tongue, face, mouth, or jaw (such as tongue sticking out, puffing cheeks, mouth puckering, or chewing)
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects, although many people may not experience any or may only have mild symptoms. If you notice any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical attention if they bother you or do not go away:
Dizziness or drowsiness
Upset stomach
Dry mouth
Weight gain
Headache
Reporting Side Effects
If you have questions or concerns about side effects, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Uncontrolled muscle movements (especially of the face, tongue, or limbs)
- High fever, stiff muscles, confusion, sweating, or changes in heart rate/blood pressure (signs of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome)
- Rash, fever, swollen lymph nodes, or swelling of the face (signs of Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms - DRESS)
- Dizziness or lightheadedness upon standing (orthostatic hypotension)
- New or worsening thoughts of self-harm or suicide, especially in young adults
- Signs of high blood sugar (increased thirst, increased urination, increased hunger, weakness)
- Significant unexplained weight gain
Before Using This Medicine
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this drug, its components, or other substances. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction and its symptoms.
If you have liver disease, as this may affect the medication's safety and efficacy.
Any medications you are currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, natural products, and vitamins. This is crucial because certain medications, such as those used to treat HIV, infections, seizures, and other conditions, may interact with this drug and should be avoided.
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of all potential drug interactions or health problems that may be relevant to this medication.
To ensure your safety, it is vital to disclose all your medications and health problems to your doctor and pharmacist. They will help you verify that it is safe to take this medication in conjunction with your other drugs and health conditions. Never start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
Precautions & Cautions
When starting this medication, be cautious when performing tasks that require alertness, such as driving, until you understand how it affects you. To minimize the risk of dizziness or fainting, rise slowly from a sitting or lying position, and be mindful when navigating stairs.
Regular blood work and laboratory tests, as directed by your doctor, are crucial to monitor your health while taking this medication. Be aware that drugs like this one have been associated with increased risks of high blood sugar, diabetes, high cholesterol, and weight gain, which may contribute to the development of heart and brain blood vessel disease. Follow your doctor's instructions for monitoring your blood sugar levels.
Before consuming alcohol, marijuana, or other cannabis products, or taking prescription or over-the-counter medications that may cause drowsiness, consult with your doctor. Additionally, exercise caution in hot weather or during physical activity, and drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Avoid consuming grapefruit and grapefruit juice, as they may interact with this medication.
This medication may increase the risk of seizures, particularly in individuals with a history of seizure disorders. Discuss your individual risk with your doctor. Dizziness, drowsiness, and impaired balance may occur, which can increase the risk of falls and subsequent injuries, such as fractures.
Older adults with dementia who take medications like this one have a higher risk of experiencing strokes, which can be fatal. It is essential to note that this medication is not approved for treating dementia-related mental health issues. If you are 65 or older, use this medication with caution, as you may be more susceptible to side effects.
This medication may affect fertility, potentially leading to difficulties conceiving or fathering a child. If you plan to become pregnant or father a child, discuss the potential risks and benefits with your doctor before starting this medication.
If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, inform your doctor, as they will need to discuss the benefits and risks of this medication with you. Taking this medication during the third trimester of pregnancy may cause side effects or withdrawal symptoms in the newborn.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Sedation
- Drowsiness
- Tachycardia
- Hypotension
- Extrapyramidal symptoms
What to Do:
There is no specific antidote for lumateperone overdose. Management should include supportive care, including maintaining an adequate airway, oxygenation, and ventilation. Monitor cardiovascular status (ECG, blood pressure) and vital signs. Gastric lavage and activated charcoal may be considered. Close medical supervision and monitoring should continue until the patient recovers. Call 1-800-222-1222 (Poison Control Center) for specific guidance.
Drug Interactions
Contraindicated Interactions
- Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, clarithromycin, ritonavir, itraconazole, indinavir, nelfinavir, saquinavir, telithromycin, voriconazole, grapefruit juice)
- Strong/Moderate CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, St. John's Wort, bosentan, efavirenz, etravirine, modafinil, nafcillin, phenobarbital)
Major Interactions
- Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., diltiazem, erythromycin, verapamil, fluconazole, ciprofloxacin, fluvoxamine, aprepitant, imatinib, cimetidine, crizotinib, idelalisib, nefazodone, ranolazine, ticagrelor, zileuton) - reduce lumateperone dose to 21 mg once daily.
Moderate Interactions
Confidence Interactions
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Rationale: To assess baseline symptoms, diagnosis, and severity of schizophrenia or bipolar depression.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy
Rationale: Atypical antipsychotics are associated with metabolic changes, including weight gain.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy
Rationale: To assess for baseline hyperglycemia or diabetes risk.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy
Rationale: To assess for baseline dyslipidemia.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy
Rationale: To assess for orthostatic hypotension and other cardiovascular effects.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy
Rationale: To establish a baseline for potential extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) or tardive dyskinesia (TD).
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: Monthly for first few months, then quarterly
Target: Maintain within healthy range
Action Threshold: Significant weight gain (e.g., >5% of baseline) warrants intervention.
Frequency: At 3 months, then annually (more frequently if risk factors or concerns)
Target: Normal glucose/HbA1c levels
Action Threshold: Elevated levels warrant further evaluation and management.
Frequency: At 3 months, then annually (more frequently if risk factors or concerns)
Target: Normal lipid levels
Action Threshold: Elevated levels warrant further evaluation and management.
Frequency: Regularly (e.g., at each visit)
Target: Normal range
Action Threshold: Significant changes or orthostatic hypotension warrants intervention.
Frequency: At least every 6-12 months, or if new/worsening symptoms appear
Target: Absence of abnormal involuntary movements
Action Threshold: Emergence or worsening of EPS/TD warrants evaluation and potential dose adjustment or change in therapy.
Frequency: Regularly (e.g., at each visit)
Target: Reduction in target symptoms (e.g., hallucinations, delusions, mood symptoms)
Action Threshold: Lack of efficacy or worsening symptoms warrants re-evaluation of treatment plan.
Symptom Monitoring
- Sedation/somnolence
- Dizziness/orthostatic hypotension
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Extrapyramidal symptoms (e.g., tremor, akathisia, dystonia)
- Tardive dyskinesia (involuntary movements, especially of face and tongue)
- Weight gain
- Signs of hyperglycemia (e.g., polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia)
- Signs of dyslipidemia
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviors (especially in young adults)
- Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) symptoms (e.g., fever, muscle rigidity, altered mental status, autonomic instability)
- Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) symptoms (e.g., rash, fever, lymphadenopathy, organ involvement)
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to atypical antipsychotics during pregnancy. Pregnant women should be advised of the potential risk to the fetus. Neonates exposed to antipsychotic drugs during the third trimester of pregnancy are at risk for extrapyramidal and/or withdrawal symptoms following delivery. Use during pregnancy should only occur if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
Lactation
It is unknown if lumateperone or its metabolites are excreted in human milk. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for Caplyta and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from Caplyta or from the underlying maternal condition. A decision should be made whether to discontinue breastfeeding or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.
Pediatric Use
Safety and effectiveness have not been established in pediatric patients under 18 years of age. A Black Box Warning exists regarding increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults treated with antidepressants for major depressive disorder and other psychiatric disorders.
Geriatric Use
Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with antipsychotic drugs are at an increased risk of death (Black Box Warning). Lumateperone is not approved for this indication. Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the adverse effects of antipsychotics, including orthostatic hypotension and falls. Dosage adjustments are generally not needed based on age alone, but careful monitoring is advised.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Caplyta (lumateperone) must be taken with food (at least 350 calories) to ensure adequate absorption and efficacy. Taking it without food significantly reduces absorption.
- The 21mg capsule is an available strength, but the standard therapeutic dose for both approved indications (schizophrenia and bipolar depression) is 42mg once daily. The 21mg dose is used when co-administered with moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors.
- Patients should be monitored for metabolic changes (weight, glucose, lipids) as with other atypical antipsychotics, although lumateperone has shown a relatively favorable metabolic profile in clinical trials compared to some other agents.
- Due to its mechanism of action, lumateperone has a lower propensity for certain side effects like hyperprolactinemia and significant QTc prolongation compared to some other antipsychotics, but monitoring is still important.
- Counsel patients on the risk of orthostatic hypotension and sedation, especially during initiation of therapy.
Alternative Therapies
- Other atypical antipsychotics for schizophrenia (e.g., aripiprazole, olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone, paliperidone, lurasidone, cariprazine, brexpiprazole, ziprasidone, asenapine)
- Other atypical antipsychotics for bipolar depression (e.g., quetiapine, lurasidone, cariprazine, olanzapine/fluoxetine combination)
- Mood stabilizers (e.g., lithium, valproate, lamotrigine, carbamazepine) for bipolar disorder
Cost & Coverage
General Drug Facts
This medication is accompanied by a Medication Guide, which provides crucial information about its safe and effective use. It is essential to read this guide carefully when you first start taking the medication and each time you receive a refill. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, do not hesitate to discuss them with your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider.
In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately contact your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. When reporting the incident, be prepared to provide detailed information about the overdose, including the name of the medication taken, the amount consumed, and the time it occurred.