Clozapine Overview

(KLOE za peen)

Clozaril®; FazaClo®

Apo-Clozapine®; Clozaril®; Gen-Clozapine; PMS-Clozapine

Clopsine; Leponex

Antipsychotic Agent, Atypical

• Serious blood cell problems may occur. Report any fever, sore throat, mouth sores, infections, easy bruising, or purple "splotches" on your skin to healthcare provider right away. It is extremely important to follow healthcare provider's instructions about blood tests while taking this medicine. These tests are required.

• If you have a history of seizures, head injury, or brain tumor, your risk of having a seizure may be increased by taking this medicine. If you are taking a large daily dose of this medicine, the risk of a seizure may be increased. Stopping some medicines suddenly, a sudden change in drinking alcohol, or taking certain medications which change the electrical patterns of the brain may increase the risk of seizures. Check all medicines with healthcare provider.

• This medicine may cause damage to your heart in certain situations. It may cause low blood pressure or a fast heartbeat. Talk with healthcare provider.

• There is an increased chance of death in elderly people who take this medicine for dementia.

• This medicine does not mix well with some medicines. Serious reactions may occur. Check all medicines with healthcare provider.

• If you have an allergy to clozapine or any other part of this medicine.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

• If you have any of the following conditions: Intestinal blockage, low white blood cell count or uncontrolled seizures.

• If you are breast-feeding.

• Clozapine helps clear thinking.

• It works on improving social interactions, mood, expression of mood, as well as, delusions, paranoia, and appearance.

• Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.

• Oral-disintegrating tablet:Do not push tablet through foil when opening. Use dry hands to remove from foil. Place on tongue and let dissolve. Water is not needed. Do not swallow whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.

• Drink plenty of noncaffeine-containing liquid unless told to drink less liquid by healthcare provider.

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.

• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.

• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

• Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

• Check blood sugar as directed by healthcare provider.

• Check blood pressure and heart rate regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.

• Check blood work regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.

• Follow up with healthcare provider.

• Store at room temperature.

• Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.

• Use oral-disintegrating tablet right after opening. Throw away any unused portion of opened pouch.

• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

• Most medicines can be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.

• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or in Canada to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

Created: 2006-10-13 11:38:17.0

Modified: 2010-08-03 09:40:26.0

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