FazaClo

What is FazaClo?

FazaClo is an antipsychotic medication. FazaClo works by altering the action of brain chemicals. FazaClo can be used after all other treatment options have failed to treat schizophrenia. FazaClo can also be used to decrease the suicidal risk in adult patients with schizophrenia and similar disorders. FazaClo can only be purchased from an accredited pharmacy as part of a specific program.

Warnings

FazaClo has not been approved to treat psychotic disorders related to dementia. The risk of mortality in dementia-related older adults may be increased by this medicine. If you experience chest discomfort, difficulty breathing, fluttering of the chest, or signs of an infection (weakness, fever, sore throat, or cold or flu symptoms) or feel that you may pass out, call your doctor immediately. FazaClo may cause dizziness or fainting. Do not take this medication in excess of what is recommended.

Before you take this drug

If you have an allergy to clozapine, do not use FazaClo. Clozapine should not be prescribed to older adults with dementia-associated psychosis as this drug could increase risk and even result in death.

Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that FazaClo will be safe for you:

• Heart disease?

• A stroke (including "ministroke");

• long qt syndrome

• An electrolyte balance (low levels of magnesium or potassium in the blood)

• A seizure, head injury, or brain tumor;

• Diabetes or other risk factors, such as being obese and having a history of the disease in your family;

• high cholesterol (or triglycerides);

• constipation problems with your bowel movement;

• Liver or kidney disease

• Urination or prostate problems;

• glaucoma;

• Malnutrition or dehydration.

• If you smoke.

Antipsychotic medication taken during the final three months of gestation may result in respiratory difficulties, feeding issues and withdrawal symptoms for your infant. You could experience withdrawal or have other issues if suddenly stopping FazaClo during this time; please notify your physician as soon as you find out that you're expecting. If pregnant, tell your physician immediately as any sudden change to FazaClo may have negative impacts; stop using before consulting a professional first!

Similar/related drugs

Quetiapine, Abilify, Seroquel, Aripiprazole, Olanzapine, and Risperidone

How to take FazaClo?

Please read and heed all directions printed on your prescription label and any medication guides or instruction sheets provided with it. It may be necessary for your physician to adjust or change the dosage - make sure all instructions and directions included with it have been read thoroughly! FazaClo can be taken either with or without food. FazaClo orally disintegrating tablets should only be removed from their packages when ready to take them, without chewing first. Put one tablet directly in your mouth without chewing; as it dissipates slowly into your system, swallow several times as the tablet dissolves completely. Clozapine can have long-term adverse reactions on your immune system. As such, infections could increase, potentially becoming serious or life threatening in nature. You will likely require regular medical check-ups while using this drug and for several days after finishing one dose of Clozapine. FazaClo should not be discontinued abruptly; rather, follow your doctor's advice about gradually decreasing your dosage. If you have been off FazaClo for two days or longer, starting a smaller dose might be appropriate - please follow your physician's advice in doing so. Your doctor may advise using laxatives while on FazaClo; only take those prescribed by them. Stay clear of both heat and moisture at room temperature.

Details on dosage

Adult dose for schizophrenia:

Initial dose: Orally, 12.5 mg once or twice daily

Dose titration or maintenance: Increase the total dose daily in 25–50 mg increments per day, up to 300–450 mg (divided doses), by week two. The dose can then be increased in 100-mg increments once or twice a week.

Maximum dose: 900 mg per day.

Comments:

Absolute neutrophil counts (ANCs) should ideally range between 1500/microL and over for general populations and 1000/microL in those diagnosed with benign ethnic neutropenia.

If the therapy has been interrupted by 2 days or more, restart with 12.5mg once or twice daily. Depending on tolerance, this dose may be increased more rapidly than the previous therapeutic dose for the initial treatment.

Uses:

For the treatment of severe schizophrenia patients who do not respond Standard antipsychotic treatments should aim to decrease chronic risk of suicidal behavior among schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder patients who are considered at heightened risk for engaging in suicidal behaviors based on both history and current clinical status.

What happens if I miss the dose?

If you are almost due for the next dose, skip the missed one. Never take more than one dose at once. If you miss taking FazaClo for more than two consecutive days, contact your physician as soon as possible.

What happens if I overdose?

Reach out immediately if a poison occurs - call the Poison Help Line on 1800222-1222, or seek medical help immediately. An overdose may present with symptoms including confusion, rapid heartbeats or breathing difficulty, difficulty with swallowing or breathing difficulties, drooling or seizures.

What should be avoided?

Don't drink alcohol. Side effects and death can occur. Avoid caffeine-containing products such as coffee, teas, colas, energy drinks, and other beverages. Do not drive, engage in hazardous activities or engage in other dangerous pursuits until the effects of this medication have worn off and you know its effect, since drowsiness or dizziness could result in accidents or severe injuries. You could become dizzy when suddenly standing from sitting or lying position, especially from sitting for extended periods.

Side effects of FazaClo

If you experience any of the following symptoms: an allergic reaction to FazaClo (itching, difficulty breathing, swelling around your mouth or face), or severe skin reactions (fever or sore throat with burning eyes or skin, pain in the skin, a red or purple rash blistering or peeling the skin),

If you experience any of the following signs, call your doctor immediately.

• Fever, flu-like symptoms, and extreme weakness

• Mouth sores, skin sores;

• Asthmatic symptoms: Coughing with difficulty breathing

• Pain or burning after urinating;

• Vaginal itching and discharge

As soon as your infection has resolved itself, any additional doses should be postponed until further instructions. FazaClo in high doses and long-term usage can lead to a severe movement disorder. This may be irreversible. Clozapine can cause serious movement disorders, which may not be reversible. Clozapine, particularly at higher doses, can cause seizures.In case of seizure or loss of consciousness, take immediate precaution. When performing any hazardous task. Uncontrolled facial movements (lip smacking, frowning and tongue movement).

• A seizure (blackout or convulsions);

• Constipation severe;

• Painful gas symptoms. Dry or hard bowel motions or painful gas symptoms

• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or bloating;

• Heart problems: chest pain or rapid heartbeats; fluttering or slowing of the heartbeats in your chest. Shortness of breath and dizziness.

• Liver problems: loss of appetite (upper right), fatigue, itching, and dark urine.

• Severe nervous system reaction: very stiff muscles (rigid), high fever, sweating, and confusion. Fast or irregular heartbeats. Tremors. Feeling like you could pass out.

• Signs of a blood clot in the lungs: chest pain, sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, coughing up blood

Substantial constipation left untreated may require hospitalization or even death; you should contact your physician as soon as you do not experience at least three bowel movements per week.

Common FazaClo side effects may include:

• Weight gain

• Dizziness, tremor;

• Rapid heart rate

• Headache, drowsiness;

• Nausea, constipation;

• Dry mouth or an increased level of salivation

• Vision problems

• Fever and increased sweating

There may be other side effects. Call your doctor if experiencing side effects; otherwise call the FDA directly at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report them.

Interaction with other drug

Your doctor might need to adjust your dose of other medications you regularly take when you begin or stop using FazaClo. FazaClo may cause serious heart problems if taken with other medications for asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure, depression, mental illnesses, HIV, cancer, or malaria. Do not use FazaClo if you are taking other medications that can make you sleepy, slow down your breathing, or cause anxiety. Clozapine can interact with many drugs. These include prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all interactions.Inform your physician of all medications you are currently taking as well as those you plan to stop or begin using in the near future.