Fazaclo

 
Generic Name: clozapine

Brands: Clozaril, Fazaclo

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What is the most important information I should know about Fazaclo?

· Contact your doctor immediately if you experience unusual tiredness, weakness, fever, sore throat, sores in the mouth, or if you feel ill or as if you have the flu. These symptoms could be early signs of decreased white blood cell levels. A serious side effect from Fazaclo therapy is a decrease in white blood cells, which could lead to a life-threatening infection. You will need regular blood tests to monitor white blood cell levels during treatment.

· Seizures have been reported with the use of Fazaclo, especially when used at higher doses. Contact your doctor immediately if a seizure occurs.

· Serious and/or life-threatening cases of myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) has been reported as a rare side effect of treatment with Fazaclo. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience unexplained fatigue, shortness of breath, increased rate of breathing, fever, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, or unusual swelling or water retention.

· Dizziness and/or fainting may occur, especially when rising from sitting or lying down. Contact your doctor immediately if dizziness is severe or if fainting occurs. Rise slowly to minimize dizziness and a possible fall.

· Avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities during treatment with Fazaclo. Fazaclo may cause seizures, dizziness, or fainting.

 

What is Fazaclo?

· Fazaclo is an antipsychotic medication. It works by changing the actions of chemicals in the brain.

· Fazaclo is used to treat the symptoms of schizophrenia including hallucinations, delusions, and confusion. Because Fazaclo may cause serious side effects, treatment is usually reserved for people who have not responded to other medications.

· Fazaclo may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

 

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Fazaclo?

· Do not take Fazaclo without first talking to your doctor if you have     ·blood problems;     ·seizures or epilepsy;     ·liver disease or other liver problems;     ·kidney disease;     ·heart disease or other heart problems such as high blood pressure, a previous heart attack, irregular heartbeats, or other conditions;     ·an enlarged prostate or difficulty urinating; or     ·narrow angle glaucoma.

· You may not be able to take Fazaclo, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

· Fazaclo is in the FDA pregnancy B. This means that it is not expect to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take Fazaclo without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

· Fazaclo passes into breast milk. It is not known whether Fazaclo will affect a nursing baby. Do not take Fazaclo without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

 

How should I take Fazaclo?

· Take Fazaclo exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

· Take the regular oral tablets with a full glass of water.

· The Fazaclo orally-disintegrating tablets can be taken without water. The Fazaclo tablets should be kept unopened in the blister package until the time of use. Just prior to use, peel the foil from the blister and gently remove the tablet. Do not push the tablet through the foil. Immediately place the tablet in the mouth. The tablet will disintegrate rapidly and can be swallowed with saliva. No water is needed to take the tablets. If the dosage prescribed includes only a half Fazaclo tablet, the remaining half tablet should be thrown away and not stored for later use.

· Fazaclo can be taken with or without food.

· Blood tests will be required on a regular basis, usually weekly or every other week, to monitor white blood cell levels. Fazaclo is only available through a special program designed to ensure the required blood monitoring is performed.

· If treatment with Fazaclo is stopped for more than 2 days, do not restart the medication at the same dosage. Contact your doctor for instructions regarding restarting the medication. A lower dose may be required.

· Do not stop taking Fazaclo without first talking to your doctor. Although symptoms may improve, treatment with Fazaclo may still be necessary.

· Store Fazaclo at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

 

What happens if I miss a dose?

· Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

 

What happens if I overdose?

· Seek emergency medical attention.

· Symptoms of a Fazaclo overdose include drowsiness, delirium, unconsciousness, fast heart rate, dizziness, difficulty breathing, seizures, coma, and death.

 

What should I avoid while taking Fazaclo?

· Dizziness and/or fainting may occur, especially when rising from sitting or lying down. Contact your doctor immediately if dizziness is severe or if fainting occurs. Rise slowly to minimize dizziness and a possible fall.

· Avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities during treatment with Fazaclo. Fazaclo may cause seizures, dizziness, or fainting.

· Avoid alcohol while taking Fazaclo.

· Do not take other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products during treatment with Fazaclo without first talking to your doctor.

 

What are the possible side effects of Fazaclo?

· Contact your doctor immediately if you experience unusual tiredness, weakness, fever, sore throat, sores in the mouth, or if you feel ill or as if you have the flu. These symptoms could be early signs of decreased white blood cell levels. A serious side effect from Fazaclo therapy is a decrease in white blood cells, which could lead to a life-threatening infection. You will need regular blood tests to monitor white blood cell levels during treatment.

· Seizures have been reported with the use of Fazaclo, especially when used at higher doses. Contact your doctor immediately if a seizure occurs.

· Serious and/or life-threatening cases of myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) has been reported as a rare side effect of treatment with Fazaclo. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience unexplained fatigue, shortness of breath, increased rate of breathing, fever, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, or unusual swelling or water retention.

· Dizziness and/or fainting may occur, especially when rising from sitting or lying down. Contact your doctor immediately if dizziness is severe or if fainting occurs. Rise slowly to minimize dizziness and a possible fall.

· Stop taking Fazaclo and seek emergency medical attention if you experience any of the following other serious side effects:     ·an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);     ·muscle stiffness;     ·uncontrollable movements of the mouth, tongue, jaw, face, arms, or legs;     ·fever;     ·an irregular or fast heartbeat;     ·fluttering in the chest;     ·chest pain or shortness of breath; or     ·liver problems.

· Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Fazaclo and talk to your doctor if you experience     ·dizziness or drowsiness,     ·nausea or upset stomach,     ·constipation,     ·salivation (watering mouth),     ·restlessness or agitation,     ·increased thirst or urination (may indicate increased blood sugar levels);     ·increased dreaming or nightmares.

· Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

 

What other drugs will affect Fazaclo?

· Fazaclo may increase the side effects of other drugs that affect the central nervous system, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (medicines that treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, muscle relaxants, and any others. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking and do not take any medicine without first talking to your doctor.

· Many drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Fazaclo possibly resulting in decreased effectiveness of the medication or dangerous side effects. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products, during treatment with Fazaclo.

 

Where can I get more information?

· Your pharmacist has more information about Fazaclo written for health professionals that you may read.

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