Can Latuda (lurasidone) be taken at lunch?

Latuda Must Be Taken With Food, Not Just at Lunch

Latuda (lurasidone) must be taken with food containing at least 350 calories, regardless of whether it's at lunch, dinner, or another meal. 1 Taking Latuda with food is not optional but mandatory for proper absorption and effectiveness of the medication.

Why Food Is Required with Latuda

Latuda's absorption is highly dependent on food intake:

• Administration with food increases the AUC (area under the curve) approximately 2-fold
• Food increases the maximum concentration (Cmax) approximately 3-fold 1
• Without adequate food, the medication will not reach therapeutic levels in the bloodstream

Specific Food Requirements

When taking Latuda:

• A meal of at least 350 calories is required 1
• A substantial meal is better than a light snack 2
• The medication can be taken at lunch if the meal contains sufficient calories
• In clinical trials, Latuda was always administered with food 1

Timing Considerations

Latuda should be taken:

• Once daily with food 1
• At approximately the same time each day for consistency 2
• With whichever meal is most substantial and consistent in your daily routine

Clinical Implications of Improper Administration

Taking Latuda without adequate food will:

• Significantly reduce bioavailability
• Potentially lead to treatment failure
• Result in subtherapeutic blood levels of the active metabolites 2

Common Side Effects and Management

When properly taken with food, common side effects may include:

• Somnolence
• Akathisia
• Nausea
• Parkinsonism 3, 4

Taking Latuda with food not only ensures proper absorption but may also help mitigate some gastrointestinal side effects 2.

Practical Recommendations

1. Choose a consistent meal time (lunch, dinner, etc.) that:

   • Reliably contains at least 350 calories
   • Fits your daily schedule consistently
   • Allows you to maintain adherence

2. If you miss a dose:

   • Take the next scheduled dose (do not double up) 2
   • Always take with food, even if delayed

3. Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice as these may inhibit CYP3A4 and alter Latuda concentrations 1

Special Considerations

For patients with:

• Moderate hepatic impairment: Maximum dose is 80 mg/day
• Severe hepatic impairment: Maximum dose is 40 mg/day
• Moderate to severe renal impairment: Maximum dose is 80 mg/day 1

In all these cases, the requirement to take Latuda with food remains unchanged.