Emission characteristics of paliperidone from invega™ tablets in one-dose packages and the evaluation of patients

Objectives Paliperidone tablets (INVEGA™) are dispensed in a sustained release preparation through osmotic pressure so that this drug is not prematurely pressed through the package before dosing and to avoid dispensing by the one-dose package. However, pressing through the package of the paliperidone tablet is hard and may be challenging for feeble patients. Therefore we dispensed the paliperidone tablet in a one-dose package and investigated the emission characteristics and impression of the patients. Methods We observed the appearance of the tablet and performed a dissolution test of the paliperidone tablet in the one-dose package. We also carried out a questionnaire survey for the patients administered the paliperidone tablets in the one-dose package. Results An appearance change of an INVEGA™ and amount fall of paliperidone were not noted for at least 90 days after preparation in the one-dose package. The emission characteristics of paliperidone from an INVEGA™ showed adapted behavior according to pharmaceutical standards for at least 90 days after preparation in the one-dose package. Seven of 8 patients replied that the one-dose package was useful to avoid missing doses. In addition, all patients hoped to receive medication by the one-dose package. Conclusions An improvement in medication adherence is anticipated for paliperidone using the one-dose package. (Jpn Pharmacol Ther 2016 ; 44 : 65-9).