{"id":1153,"date":"2026-04-28T15:56:23","date_gmt":"2026-04-28T15:56:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rxzest.com\/en-za\/?p=1153"},"modified":"2026-05-13T10:58:48","modified_gmt":"2026-05-13T10:58:48","slug":"maktuda-uses-dosage-side-effects","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rxzest.com\/en-za\/maktuda-uses-dosage-side-effects\/","title":{"rendered":"Maktuda in South Africa: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects Warnings"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you are taking MAKTUDA<\/strong>, or caring for someone who is, it helps to understand what this medicine is for, how to take it safely, and what warning signs to look out for. MAKTUDA contains lurasidone hydrochloride<\/strong>, a medicine used for certain mental health conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In South Africa, MAKTUDA is a Schedule 5 (S5)<\/a><\/strong> medicine. This means it must be prescribed and monitored by a healthcare professional. You should not start, stop, share, or change the dose of this medicine without speaking to your doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick facts:<\/strong> MAKTUDA is taken once daily by mouth and must be taken with food<\/strong>. It is used for schizophrenia in adults and adolescents aged 13 years and older, and for depressive episodes linked to bipolar disorder in adults. You should avoid grapefruit juice while taking it, and you must tell your doctor about all other medicines, herbal products, and supplements you use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What it is and what it is used for<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

MAKTUDA contains the active ingredient lurasidone hydrochloride<\/strong>. It belongs to a group of medicines called antipsychotics<\/strong>. These medicines act in the brain and are used to help manage symptoms linked to certain mental health conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MAKTUDA is available as film-coated tablets in these strengths:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • MAKTUDA 20 mg<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • MAKTUDA 40 mg<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • MAKTUDA 60 mg<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • MAKTUDA 80 mg<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • MAKTUDA 120 mg<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Each tablet contains the matching amount of lurasidone hydrochloride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    MAKTUDA is used for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    • Schizophrenia<\/strong> in adults and adolescents aged 13 years and older<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Major depressive episodes associated with bipolar disorder<\/strong>, also called bipolar depression<\/strong>, in adults<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      For bipolar depression, the source states that MAKTUDA may be used as monotherapy. The dosing information also mentions use together with lithium or valproate. MAKTUDA has not<\/strong> been established as effective for treating mania associated with bipolar disorder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      How it works<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      MAKTUDA works by affecting certain chemical messengers in your brain, especially dopamine<\/strong> and serotonin<\/strong>. These chemicals play a role in mood, thoughts, behaviour, motivation, and how you experience reality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      When these chemical systems are out of balance, you may experience symptoms such as unusual thoughts, changes in mood, distressing beliefs, low mood, or difficulty functioning. MAKTUDA helps by changing how these messenger systems act in the brain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      You may not feel better immediately after starting MAKTUDA. Medicines for mental health conditions often need regular use and follow-up appointments. Keep taking it as prescribed unless your doctor tells you otherwise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Who should NOT use this medicine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      Do not use MAKTUDA if you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      • Are allergic to lurasidone hydrochloride<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Are allergic to any of the other ingredients in the tablet<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Are taking a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor<\/strong>, such as:<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Ketoconazole<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Clarithromycin<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Ritonavir<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Voriconazole<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Mibefradil<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Boceprevir<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Cobicistat<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Indinavir<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Itraconazole<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Nefazodone<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Nelfinavir<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Posaconazole<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Saquinavir<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Telaprevir<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Telithromycin<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Are taking a strong CYP3A4 inducer<\/strong>, such as:<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Rifampicin or rifampin<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Avasimibe<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • St John\u2019s wort<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Phenytoin<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Carbamazepine<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Phenobarbital<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        Warning:<\/strong> St John\u2019s wort may be sold as a natural or herbal product, but it can still interact seriously with MAKTUDA. Do not take it with MAKTUDA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Warnings and precautions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

        Suicidal thoughts or behaviour<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        If you have a psychotic illness or bipolar depression, there may be a risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviour. The source also states that suicidal behaviour has sometimes been reported early after starting or changing antipsychotic treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        If you are a caregiver, family member, or friend, watch for sudden changes in mood, behaviour, or safety. If you are the person taking MAKTUDA and you feel at risk of harming yourself, seek urgent help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Parkinson\u2019s disease<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        If you have Parkinson\u2019s disease, MAKTUDA may worsen Parkinson-like symptoms. These may include stiffness, shaking, slower movement, posture changes, or walking difficulties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Your doctor should carefully weigh the benefits and risks before prescribing MAKTUDA if you have Parkinson\u2019s disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Movement problems<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        MAKTUDA may cause movement-related side effects. These are sometimes called extrapyramidal symptoms<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        You may notice:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n
        • Stiff muscles<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Shaking or tremor<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • A mask-like facial expression<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Drooling<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Unusual posture<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Changes in walking<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Muscle spasms or abnormal movements<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          Another movement problem called tardive dyskinesia<\/strong> may also occur. This can cause repeated involuntary movements, especially of the tongue or face. If this happens, your doctor may consider stopping antipsychotic treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Heart rhythm and blood pressure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          Tell your doctor if you have heart disease, a family history of QT prolongation, low potassium levels, or if you take medicines that may affect heart rhythm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          MAKTUDA may also cause a drop in blood pressure when you stand up. You may feel dizzy, light-headed, faint, or unsteady.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Take care when getting up from sitting or lying down, especially when you first start treatment or after a dose change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Seizures<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          If you have ever had seizures, fits, blackouts, or a condition that may make seizures more likely, tell your doctor before taking MAKTUDA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Neuroleptic malignant syndrome<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          A rare but serious condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome<\/strong>, or NMS, has been reported with lurasidone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Get urgent medical help if you develop:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \n
          • Very high temperature<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Severe muscle stiffness<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Confusion or reduced awareness<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Sweating or unstable blood pressure<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Fast or irregular heartbeat<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Signs of severe illness<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

            Warning:<\/strong> NMS can be life-threatening and needs urgent medical care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Elderly people with dementia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

            MAKTUDA has not been studied in elderly people with dementia. Other similar antipsychotic medicines have been linked with an increased risk of death in elderly patients with dementia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Some antipsychotics have also been linked with an increased risk of stroke-like events in people with dementia. MAKTUDA should be used cautiously in elderly patients with dementia who have risk factors for stroke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Blood clots<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

            Blood clots have been reported with antipsychotic medicines. Your doctor should consider your risk factors before and during treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Seek urgent help if you have symptoms such as sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, or painful swelling in a leg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Raised prolactin levels<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

            MAKTUDA can increase a hormone called prolactin<\/strong>. Raised prolactin may cause:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \n
            • Breast enlargement<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Milk production from the breast when not breastfeeding<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Missed menstrual periods<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Erectile dysfunction<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

              Tell your doctor if you notice any of these changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Weight and blood sugar<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

              Weight gain has been seen with atypical antipsychotic medicines. Your doctor may monitor your weight during treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Rare blood sugar-related side effects, such as increased blood glucose, have been reported with MAKTUDA. If you have diabetes or risk factors for diabetes, your doctor should monitor you appropriately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Driving, cycling, and using machines<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

              MAKTUDA may affect your ability to drive, cycle, or use machines. Do not do these activities until you know how the medicine affects you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              This is also important for adolescents who may cycle, even if they are not old enough to drive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Alcohol<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

              MAKTUDA acts on the central nervous system. The source says it should be used with caution together with alcohol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about alcohol use while taking MAKTUDA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Pregnancy, planning pregnancy, and breastfeeding<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

              Pregnancy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

              MAKTUDA should not be used during pregnancy unless it is clearly necessary. This means your doctor should only consider it if the benefit to you clearly outweighs the possible risk to the unborn baby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              If you decide to become pregnant while taking MAKTUDA, your treatment should be carefully reviewed by your doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Breastfeeding<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

              It is not known whether lurasidone or its metabolites pass into human breast milk. The source states that lurasidone was found in the milk of rats during animal studies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              If you are breastfeeding, MAKTUDA should only be considered if the possible benefit of treatment justifies the possible risk to the child. Speak to your doctor before breastfeeding while taking this medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Fertility<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

              Animal studies showed some effects on fertility, mainly linked to raised prolactin. The source states that these effects are not considered relevant to human reproduction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Interactions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

              MAKTUDA can interact with other medicines, herbal products, and grapefruit juice. Always tell your doctor or pharmacist what you are taking, even if you bought it without a prescription.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Grapefruit juice<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

              Avoid grapefruit juice while taking MAKTUDA. Grapefruit juice may increase the amount of lurasidone in your body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Medicines you must not take with MAKTUDA<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

              Do not take MAKTUDA with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors or strong CYP3A4 inducers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors can greatly increase MAKTUDA levels. These include medicines such as ketoconazole, clarithromycin, ritonavir, itraconazole, voriconazole, and posaconazole.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Strong CYP3A4 inducers can greatly reduce MAKTUDA levels. These include rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, and St John\u2019s wort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Other medicines that may need caution<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

              Your doctor may need to monitor you or adjust treatment if you take medicines such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \n
              • Diltiazem<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Erythromycin<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Fluconazole<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Verapamil<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Armodafinil<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Modafinil<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Efavirenz<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Etravirine<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Bosentan<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Prednisone<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Rufinamide<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Nafcillin<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                Medicines that affect heart rhythm<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                Caution is needed if you take medicines that may prolong the QT interval, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  \n
                • Quinidine<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Disopyramide<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Amiodarone<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Sotalol<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Some antihistamines<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Some antipsychotics<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Some antimalarials such as mefloquine<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                  Serotonergic medicines<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                  Taking MAKTUDA with serotonergic medicines may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome<\/strong>, which can be life-threatening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  These medicines include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    \n
                  • Buprenorphine or opioids<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • MAO inhibitors<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • SSRIs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • SNRIs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Tricyclic antidepressants<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                    Symptoms may include changes in mental state, body instability, muscle or nerve symptoms, and stomach or bowel symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Lithium and oral contraceptives<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                    The source states that lithium had clinically negligible effects on lurasidone levels, and MAKTUDA does not affect lithium concentrations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    The source also states that MAKTUDA can be taken with oral contraceptives containing norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    How to take MAKTUDA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                    Take MAKTUDA exactly as your doctor tells you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      \n
                    • Take it once daily<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Take it by mouth<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Take it with food<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Try to take it at the same time each day<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Do not change your dose unless your doctor tells you to<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Do not stop taking it suddenly without medical advice<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                      Note:<\/strong> MAKTUDA must be taken with food because food increases how much lurasidone your body absorbs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Adults with schizophrenia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                      The recommended starting dose is 40 mg once daily<\/strong>. Initial dose titration is not required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      The effective dose range is 40 mg to 160 mg per day<\/strong>. The maximum recommended dose is 160 mg per day<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Adolescents aged 13 years and older with schizophrenia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                      The recommended starting dose is 40 mg once daily<\/strong>. Initial dose titration is not required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      The effective dose range is 40 mg to 80 mg per day<\/strong>. The maximum recommended dose is 80 mg per day<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Adults with bipolar depression<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                      The recommended starting dose is 20 mg once daily<\/strong>. Initial dose titration is not required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      The effective dose range is 20 mg to 120 mg per day<\/strong>. The maximum recommended dose is 120 mg per day<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      The source states that, in the monotherapy study, higher doses of 80 mg to 120 mg per day did not provide additional average benefit compared with 20 mg to 60 mg per day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      If you have kidney problems<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                      If you have moderate or severe kidney impairment, your doctor may prescribe a lower dose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      The recommended starting dose is 20 mg per day<\/strong>. The dose should not exceed 80 mg per day<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      If you have liver problems<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                      If you have moderate or severe liver impairment, your doctor may prescribe a lower dose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      The recommended starting dose is 20 mg per day<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      The maximum dose is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n