Invega Hafyera is a brand-name extended-release injection that’s prescribed for schizophrenia. Invega Hafyera contains the active ingredient paliperidone palmitate and belongs to the antipsychotic drug class.
Drug details
You’ll find key information about Invega Hafyera below.
- Drug form: extended-release suspension given as an intramuscular injection
- Generic available? no
- Prescription required? yes
- Controlled substance? no
- Year of FDA approval: 2021
“Extended-release” means the drug slowly releases into your body over a long period of time.
Invega Hafyera has a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the “Invega Hafyera precautions” section.
Invega Hafyera is available only as a brand-name medication. It’s not currently available in generic form.
A generic drug is an exact copy of the active ingredient in a brand-name medication. Generics usually cost less than brand-name drugs.
The Invega Hafyera dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:
- the severity of the condition you’re using Invega Hafyera to treat
- the strength of your most recent dose of Invega Sustenna or Invega Trinza
The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Drug form and strengths
Invega Hafyera comes as an extended-release liquid suspension in a single-use syringe. (“Extended-release” means the drug slowly releases into your body over a long period of time.) It’s available in two strengths:
- 1,092 milligrams (mg) per 3.5 milliliters (mL)
- 1,560 mg per 5 mL
Dosage for schizophrenia
Doctors prescribe Invega Hafyera for schizophrenia in adults who have received either Invega Sustenna or Invega Trinza. These are other injectable forms of paliperidone palmitate, which is the same active ingredient that’s found in Invega Hafyera.
For schizophrenia, Invega Hafyera is given once every 6 months. Your starting dose depends on the strength of your most recent dose of Invega Sustenna or Invega Trinza.
When switching from Invega Sustenna
You’ll start Invega Hafyera after receiving at least 4 monthly doses of Invega Sustenna, as shown in the table below.
| Last dose of Invega Sustenna | Recommended starting dose of Invega Hafyera |
|---|---|
| 156 mg | 1,092 mg per injection |
| 234 mg | 1,560 mg per injection |
Your doctor may adjust your dosage over time based on how well the treatment is working for your condition.
When switching from Invega Trinza
You’ll start Invega Hafyera after receiving at least one dose of Invega Trinza, which is given once every 3 months. The recommended starting doses are shown in the table below.
| Last dose of Invega Trinza | Recommended starting dose of Invega Hafyera |
|---|---|
| 546 mg | 1,092 mg per injection |
| 819 mg | 1,560 mg per injection |
Your doctor may adjust your dosage over time based on how well the treatment is working for your condition.
How it’s given
Invega Hafyera is given as an intramuscular injection by a healthcare professional. They’ll inject the suspension into the muscle of your buttock. You’ll receive Invega Hafyera injections at a doctor’s office, clinic, or pharmacy.
If you have other questions about receiving Invega Hafyera, talk with your doctor.
About receiving Invega Hafyera
Below you’ll find information about key dosage issues.
- When to take: You’ll receive one injection of Invega Hafyera every 6 months.
- If you miss a dose: What you’ll do about a missed dose of Invega Hafyera depends on how many months have passed since your last injection. If you miss an appointment to receive your Invega Hafyera injection, call your healthcare professional. They’ll help you reschedule your appointment and recommend next steps.
- Length of use: Invega Hafyera is meant to be used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Invega Hafyera is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely use it long term.
- Length of time to work: Invega Hafyera starts working after the first dose. The drug will be prescribed only after you’ve received either Invega Sustenna or Invega Trinza. Since all three drugs contain the same active ingredient, Invega Hafyera should continue to work as Invega Sustenna or Invega Trinza did. However, if your doctor changes your dosage, it may take several months to notice the full effects of the new dose.
Invega Hafyera can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while taking Invega Hafyera. These lists do not include all possible side effects.
For more information about the possible side effects of Invega Hafyera, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to manage any side effects that may be concerning or bothersome.
Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracks side effects of drugs it has approved. If you would like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Invega Hafyera, you can do so through MedWatch.
Mild side effects
Below is a partial list of mild side effects of Invega Hafyera. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist or view Invega Hafyera’s prescribing information.
Mild side effects of Invega Hafyera can include:
- back pain
- diarrhea
- headache
- injection site reactions, such as skin color changes, pain, or swelling
- mild infection, such as upper respiratory infection or urinary tract infection (UTI)
- musculoskeletal pain
- sleepiness or insomnia
- weight gain
Most of these side effects may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. However, if they become more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects from Invega Hafyera aren’t common, but they can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency.
Serious side effects and their symptoms can include:
- extrapyramidal symptoms (a group of movement disorders), which may include:
- akathisia (restlessness or an urgency to move)
- parkinsonism (involuntary movements that typically affect the whole body)
- tardive dyskinesia (involuntary movements that typically affect the face)
- changes in mental health, which may include:
- anxiety
- changes in metabolism, which may lead to:
- neuroleptic malignant syndrome (a rare condition that affects the nervous system), which may include symptoms such as:
- changes in heart rate or blood pressure
- excessive sweating
- fever
- orthostatic hypotension (a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing), which may include symptoms such as:
- blurred vision
- dizziness
- fainting or falling
- long QT syndrome (a type of irregular heart rhythm), which may include symptoms such as:
- fainting
- heart palpitations
- shortness of breath
- high prolactin levels, which may include symptoms such as:
- erectile dysfunction
- gynecomastia (enlarged breasts)
- irregular periods
- galactorrhea (nipple discharge)
- difficulty swallowing, which may include symptoms such as:
- feeling as though food is stuck in the throat or chest
- drooling
- choking, gagging, or coughing when swallowing
- priapism, which may include symptoms such as:
- prolonged erection
- penile pain that worsens over time
- difficulty managing body temperature, which may include symptoms such as:
- dehydration
- headache
- decreased sweating
- low white blood cell level, which may not cause symptoms but can be detected with a blood test
- difficulty with thinking or movement, which may affect the ability to drive
- increased risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis*
* Invega Hafyera has a boxed warning for this side effect. This is the most serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Invega Hafyera precautions” section.
ALLERGIC REACTIONFor some people, Invega Hafyera can cause an allergic reaction.
In general, symptoms of allergic reaction can be mild or serious.
Ways to manage
For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.
For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Invega Hafyera, your doctor may recommend a different medication instead.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Invega Hafyera to treat certain conditions.
Invega Hafyera for schizophrenia
Invega Hafyera is approved to treat schizophrenia in adults.
Schizophrenia is a mental health condition that affects thoughts, speech, and emotions. Symptoms may include hallucinations, delusions, and lack of facial expressions.
For this purpose, Invega Hafyera is prescribed after treatment with either Invega Sustenna or Invega Trinza. These are other injectable forms of paliperidone palmitate, which is the same active ingredient that’s found in Invega Hafyera. Your doctor can help you decide whether switching to Invega Hafyera is suitable for you.
To learn more about schizophrenia, you can visit our mental health hub.
Invega Hafyera and children
Invega Hafyera is not approved for use in children. It’s not known for sure whether the drug is safe or effective for children.
Invega Hafyera can interact with several other medications and certain supplements. However, the drug isn’t known to interact with foods.
Before starting treatment with Invega Hafyera, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you take. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.
Interactions with medications and supplements
Below is a list of medications and supplements that can interact with Invega Hafyera. This list does not contain all drugs that may interact with Invega Hafyera. If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
| Medications that can interact with Invega Hafyera | • certain antiseizure drugs, such as carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol, others) and phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek) • certain Parkinson’s drugs, such as levodopa (Inbrija) and carbidopa/levodopa (Rytary, Sinemet, others) • blood pressure drugs, such as metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL, others) and amlodipine (Norliqva, Norvasc, others) • benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam (Ativan, Loreev XR) and alprazolam (Xanax) • muscle relaxers, such as metaxalone and carisoprodol (Soma) |
|---|---|
| Supplements that can interact with Invega Hafyera | St. John’s wort |
Alcohol interaction
It may not be safe to consume alcohol during treatment with Invega Hafyera. This is because alcohol may worsen certain side effects of Invega Hafyera, such as sleepiness.
If you have questions about the safety of drinking alcohol while receiving Invega Hafyera, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
As with all medications, the cost of Invega Hafyera can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan and your location.
Drug coupons: You can visit Optum Perks for price estimates of Invega Hafyera. These estimates are based on the use of Optum Perks coupons. Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with any insurance copays or benefits.
Financial and insurance assistance: If you need financial support to pay for Invega Hafyera or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available.
A program called Janssen CarePath is available for Invega Hafyera. For more information and to find out whether you’re eligible for support, call 855-452-6773 or visit the program website.
Generic version: Invega Hafyera is not available in a generic form. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active ingredient in a brand-name medication. Generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.
To learn more about saving money on prescriptions, check out this article.
Other injectable drugs are available that can treat schizophrenia. Some may be a better fit for you than others. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to Invega Hafyera, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that may work well for you.
The following injectable drugs are similar to Invega Hafyera:
- other forms of paliperidone palmitate (Invega Sustenna, Invega Trinza)
- aripiprazole (Abilify Maintena)
- aripiprazole lauroxil (Aristada)
- risperidone (Risperdal Consta, Rykindo)
If you can become pregnant, consider the following information about pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Invega Hafyera and pregnancy
It’s not known whether it’s safe to receive Invega Hafyera during pregnancy. When given during the last 3 months of pregnancy, antipsychotic drugs have been reported to cause side effects in infants after birth. (Invega Hafyera is an antipsychotic.) Examples include difficulty feeding, excessive sleepiness, and agitation.
If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before receiving this medication.
If you’re prescribed Invega Hafyera during pregnancy, consider enrolling in the drug’s pregnancy registry. This registry helps collect information about pregnancy-related issues that may occur with Invega Hafyera. To learn more, call 866-961-2388 or talk with your doctor.
Invega Hafyera and breastfeeding
It’s not known whether Invega Hafyera is safe to receive while breastfeeding. The drug may pass into breast milk and cause side effects in a child who is breastfed. Examples include sleepiness and tremors.
If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before starting treatment with this medication. Your doctor may recommend other ways to feed a child who is breastfed during your treatment with Invega Hafyera.
Invega Hafyera is used to treat schizophrenia in adults. Schizophrenia is a mental health condition that affects thoughts, speech, and emotions.
The way Invega Hafyera works isn’t fully understood. It’s thought that the drug helps regulate the levels of dopamine and serotonin in the body. In doing so, Invega Hafyera may help manage the symptoms of schizophrenia.
If you have other questions about how Invega Hafyera works, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
How long does it take Invega Hafyera to leave the body?
Invega Hafyera is an extended-release injection. (“Extended-release” means the drug slowly releases into your body over a long period of time.) The drug is meant to work for 6 months.
The time it takes for Invega Hafyera to leave your body depends on certain factors, including the dose you’re prescribed and your body’s ability to remove the drug. According to the drug’s prescribing information, each injection may remain in your body for more than 18 months.
If you have other questions about how long it takes Invega Hafyera to leave your body, talk with your doctor.
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Invega Hafyera.
Can I receive Invega Hafyera with a COVID-19 vaccine?
If your doctor recommends it, it’s likely safe to receive Invega Hafyera with a COVID-19 vaccine. There are no reported interactions or issues with getting these injections together.
To learn more about receiving Invega Hafyera with any vaccines, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
How does Invega Hafyera compare with other forms of Invega, such as Invega Sustenna?
Several forms of Invega are available. The table below gives an overview of how they compare.
| Invega Hafyera | Invega Sustenna | Invega Trinza | Invega | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | paliperidone palmitate | paliperidone palmitate | paliperidone palmitate | paliperidone |
| Form | extended-release (ER) suspension given as an intramuscular (IM) injection | ER suspension given as an IM injection | ER suspension given as an IM injection | ER oral tablet |
| How often it’s taken | once every 6 months | once every month | once every 3 months | once every day |
| Uses | schizophrenia in adults | • schizophrenia in adults • schizoaffective disorder in adults | schizophrenia in adults | • schizophrenia in adults and children ages 12 years and older • schizoaffective disorder in adults |
Your doctor can help you decide which form of Invega is right for you.
Is Invega Hafyera used for bipolar disorder?
Invega Hafyera is not approved to treat bipolar disorder. However, some doctors may prescribe the drug off-label for this purpose. (Off-label use is when doctors prescribe a drug for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.)
Bipolar disorder is a condition that causes extreme shifts in energy, mood, and activity levels.
To learn more about treatment options for bipolar disorder, talk with your doctor.
This drug comes with several precautions.
FDA warning: Increased risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis
This drug has a boxed warning. This is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A boxed warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.
Treatment with Invega Hafyera may increase the risk of death in adults ages 65 years and older who have dementia-related psychosis. Dementia is a condition that causes problems with memory, thinking, and communication. Psychosis is a mental health condition that may cause a loss of touch with reality.
This risk was not specifically reported in clinical trials of Invega Hafyera. However, antipsychotic drugs are thought to increase this risk. (Invega Hafyera is an antipsychotic.)
In addition, antipsychotic drugs may increase the risk of stroke in older adults with dementia-related psychosis. A stroke can be fatal in some cases. Symptoms of a stroke may include headache, confusion, and weakness on one side of your face or body.
If you have stroke symptoms after receiving Invega Hafyera, call 911 or a local emergency number right away.
Due to these risks, doctors typically recommend different treatments for older adults with dementia-related psychosis.
Other precautions
Before taking Invega Hafyera, discuss your health history with your doctor. Invega Hafyera may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. Be sure to talk with your doctor if any of the following apply to you:
- blood pressure or heart problems
- high blood sugar or diabetes
- high cholesterol or triglyceride levels
- liver or kidney problems
- Parkinson’s disease or Lewy body dementia
- seizures
- stroke or cerebrovascular disease (a group of conditions that affect blood flow to your brain)
- previous allergic reaction to this or a similar drug
- pregnancy
- breastfeeding
Note: For more information about the potential negative effects of Invega Hafyera, see the “Invega Hafyera side effects” section.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
