Type of medicine: antipsychotic
Generic and brand names: clozapine, oral; Clozaril; FazaClo Orally Disintegrating Tablets
This medicine is taken by mouth to treat schizophrenia. It is a very powerful medicine that is used when other treatments have not helped. It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
You must be enrolled in a special program before you can receive this medicine. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Tell your provider if you smoke. Smoking cigarettes can affect how this medicine works.
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval. Taking this medicine during the last 3 months of pregnancy may cause problems for the baby. Symptoms the baby may have include agitation, tight muscles, floppy muscles, shaking, trouble breathing, or trouble feeding. Talk with your provider about this.
It is very important to take this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Do not take more of it or take it longer than prescribed. Taking too much may cause very serious side effects. Do not stop taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval. You may have to reduce your dosage gradually.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Taking it with meals or milk may lessen the chance the drug will upset your stomach.
If you are taking the disintegrating tablets, place the tablet in the mouth and allow it to dissolve, then swallow. You do not need to drink water with this tablet. Keep the tablets in the unopened blister pack until you take your dose. If you take half-tablets, throw the other part of the tablet away. Do not save this half-tablet for later use.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you stop taking this medicine for more than 2 days, DO NOT start taking it again at the same dosage. Ask your healthcare provider what dose you should take. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: drowsiness, coma, change in behavior, confusion, fast or irregular heartbeat, drooling, slow breathing, seizures.
You need to have blood tests before you start taking this medicine and regularly while you are taking it. Taking this medicine without regular blood tests can be very dangerous. Keep all your appointments.
This medicine may cause heart problems, severe infections, seizures, and uncontrollable movements such as twitching of the face, mouth, or jaw. If you have any of these side effects, contact your healthcare provider right away.
Older adults with dementia are at greater risk for side effects. Talk with your provider about this.
Newborn babies may have trouble breathing or feeding, or other symptoms, if the mother takes this medicine in the last 3 months of pregnancy. This medicine should be used during pregnancy only if the benefit is greater than the possible risk to your baby. Talk with your provider about this.
While taking this medicine, be careful when you exercise, especially when it is hot. This medicine affects your body's ability to cool down, and you may get too hot. If you get too hot, you might vomit, feel dizzy, have a fast heartbeat, get very stiff muscles, or be confused. Contact your provider right away if you have these symptoms.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
This medicine may make you drowsy, dizzy, or cause seizures. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.
You may feel faint when you get up from sitting or lying down. Getting up slowly may help.
This medicine increases the effects of alcohol and other drugs that slow down your nervous system. Do not drink alcohol or take other medicines unless your healthcare provider approves.
This medicine may increase the risk of developing diabetes, especially if you are overweight or have a family history of diabetes. If you have diabetes, this medicine may affect your blood sugar level and change the amount of insulin or other diabetes medicines you may need. Talk to your healthcare provider about this.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Tiredness, fever, weakness, sore throat, cough, mouth sores, seizures, fainting, loss of balance, tremors, muscle twitching, muscle stiffness or spasms, restlessness or need to keep moving, fast or irregular heartbeat, chest pain, shortness of breath, fast breathing, changes in vision, uncontrollable eye movements, sudden headache, trouble speaking or swallowing, trouble urinating, yellowing of the skin or eyes, severe nausea or vomiting, severe stomach pain, unusual bleeding or bruising, swelling in hands, ankles, or feet, confusion or changes in behavior.
Other: Headache, drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, dry mouth, trouble sleeping, nightmares, nausea, vomiting, change in sexual ability or desire, sweating, drooling, loss of appetite, weight gain.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Do not open the package until you are ready to take the medicine. Protect from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
