Description

 LATUDA 18.5MG by Angelini Pharma

**1. Drug Name and Description**:
– **Brand Name**: Latuda
– **Generic Name**: Lurasidone
– **Description**: Latuda 18.5MG is an atypical antipsychotic medication, typically presented in the form of a white to off-white tablet.

**2. Uses**:
– Latuda is prescribed primarily for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults and adolescents aged 13 and older.
– It is also used to treat depressive episodes associated with bipolar I disorder (bipolar depression) in adults and *****ren aged 10 to 17 years.

**3. Dosage and Administration**:
– **Recommended Dosage**: The starting dose for Latuda in treating schizophrenia is 40 mg once daily, with or without food. The dosage may be adjusted based on individual response and tolerability, but should not exceed 160 mg per day.
– **Administration**: Latuda should be taken once daily, preferably at the same time each day, with a meal that contains at least 350 calories to ensure proper absorption.

**4. Mechanism of Action**:
– Latuda works by altering the effects of chemicals in the brain, particularly targeting dopamine and serotonin receptors. This helps to balance mood and reduce symptoms of psychosis.

**5. Side Effects**:
– **Common Side Effects**: Drowsiness, restlessness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and weight gain.
– **Severe Side Effects**: Signs of an allergic reaction (e.g., rash, itching, swelling), severe dizziness, trouble breathing, and symptoms of high blood sugar such as increased thirst and urination.

**6. Warnings and Precautions**:
– **Safety Information**: Latuda may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in *****ren, adolescents, and ***** adults. It is important to monitor for worsening depression or unusual changes in mood.
– **Who Should Avoid**: Individuals with a known allergy to lurasidone or any of the inactive ingredients in Latuda. Patients with a history of cardiovascular disease or those taking medications that prolong the QT interval should use Latuda with caution.

**7. Drug Interactions**:
– **Interactions**: Latuda can interact with other medications that affect the central nervous system, such as antidepressants and other antipsychotics. It should not be taken with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole) or inducers (e.g., rifampin) as they can significantly affect the levels of Latuda in the blood.
– **Management**: Inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking to avoid potential interactions.

**8. Storage Instructions**:
– **Storage**: Store Latuda at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Keep the medication in its original container and out of reach of *****ren and pets.

**9. Spotting Fake Drugs**:
– **Signs of Counterfeit Drugs**: Check for unusual packaging, misspelled words, or differences in tablet appearance. Authentic Latuda tablets should be white to off-white and round, with “L37” imprinted on one side.