Clozaril  - Generic Name: Clozapine

What is/are Clozaril?

CLOZAPINE is used to treat schizophrenia. This medicine is only used when others have not worked. It has a risk of serious side effects and is only available through a monitoring and dispensing system that includes special doctors, pharmacists, and laboratories. For the first few months of treatment, you will be required to have routine blood testing before your prescription can be refilled. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• being treated for cancer
• blood disease or disorder, like leukemia
• constipation, fecal impaction, or a history of an obstruction of the intestine
• dementia
• diabetes
• heart disease-kidney disease
• liver disease
• low blood counts, like low white cell, platelet, or red cell counts
• lung or breathing disease, like asthma
• Parkinson's disease
• seizures
• an unusual or allergic reaction to clozapine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. This medicine may be taken with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine. You may need to gradually reduce the dose. Only stop taking this medicine on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. If you miss your medicine for more than 2 days, you should not restart your medicine at the same dose. Contact your doctor for instructions.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

• cisapride
• medicines for treating cancer
• mibefradil
• olanzapine
• phenothiazines like perphenazine, thioridazine and chlorpromazine
• pimozide
• ziprasidone

This medicine may also interact with the following:

• caffeine
• carbamazepine
• cimetidine
• ciprofloxacin
• erythromycin or clarithromycin
• lithium
• medicines for anxiety or sleeping problems, such as diazepam or temazepam
• medicines for colds, hay fever, and other allergies
• medicines for high blood pressure
• medicines for mental depression, anxiety, or other mood problems
• nicotine
• phenytoin
• rifampin or rifabutin
• some medicines used to treat irregular heartbeats

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• breathing problems
• changes in vision
• chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat
• confusion
• difficulty sleeping, nightmares
• excessive thirst and/or hunger
• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
• fever, chills, sore throat, or mouth sores
• muscle and joint aches and pains
• nausea, vomiting, or severe loss of appetite
• restlessness
• seizures
• stiffness, spasms, trembling
• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
• trouble with balance, talking, walking
• uncontrollable tongue or chewing movements, smacking lips or puffing cheeks
• unusually weak or tired
• yellowing of the eyes, skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• constipation
• dry mouth
• headache
• increased watering of the mouth, drooling
• weight gain

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. It may be several weeks before you see the full effects of this medicine. Contact your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms get worse or if you have new symptoms.

You must have a weekly blood test when you first begin this medicine. If your blood counts stay in the right range, your tests may be reduced after 6 months to every other week. Your name will go on a national registry of patients that take this medicine, to make sure that you have never had a serious reaction to it.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Do not treat yourself for colds, fever, diarrhea or allergies. Ask your doctor or health care professional for advice, some nonprescription medicines may increase possible side effects.

If you are going to have surgery tell your doctor or health care professional that you are taking this medicine.

Where should I keep this medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.