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Versacloz

Generic name: clozapine [KLOE-za-peen] Brand names: Clozaril, Versacloz

Drug class: atypical antipsychotics

What is Versacloz?

Versacloz is an antipsychotic medication used to treat schizophrenia in adults after all other treatment options have failed. Only a pharmacy certified by a programme can provide this medicine.

Versacloz can also be used by adults with schizophrenia and similar disorders to decrease the likelihood of suicide.Versacloz can be used in other ways not mentioned in the medication guide.

Versacloz side effects

If you experience symptoms of an allergy (hives), difficulty breathing (swelling in the face and throat), or severe skin reactions (fever or burning, burning or itching eyes, pain on your skin, or red, purple, or blistered skin with peeling or blistering), seek emergency medical attention.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical assistance immediately:

  • Fever, flu-like symptoms, extreme weakness;
  • Mouth sores, skin sores;
  • New or worsening Cough; trouble breathing
  • You may experience pain or burning while urinating.
  • Vaginal itching or discharge

You may need to delay taking further doses until the infection has cleared.The use of high doses and/or long-term Clozapine may cause serious movement disorders that are not always reversible. Versacloz can cause serious movement disorders, particularly in women and older adults.

Versacloz may increase the risk of seizures, particularly at higher doses. If you experience a seizure or lose consciousness, avoid any dangerous activity.

Versacloz may cause serious side effects. If you experience:

  • Uncontrolled facial movements (such as lip-smacking, frowning, tongue movement, or blinking)
  • A seizure;
  • Constipation is severe.
  • Dry or hard bowel motions or painful gas
  • Nausea; vomiting; stomach pain; bloating or cramping.
  • Heart problems: chest pain, rapid or pounding beats in the heart, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness.
  • Liver problems: loss of appetite, nausea, fatigue, dark urine and stools with clay color, jaundice (yellowing skin or eyes);
  • Severe nervous system reaction: very stiff muscles (rigid), high fever, excessive sweating, confusion, rapid or irregular heartbeats or tremors;
  • Signs of a blood clot in the lungs include chest pain, sudden wheezing, and rapid breathing.

Constipation left untreated can lead to hospitalization or even death. Inform your doctor immediately if you do not have bowel movements three times a week.

Side effects that may occur with Versacloz include:

  • Weight gain
  • Dizziness, tremor;
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Headache, drowsiness;
  • Nausea, constipation;
  • Increased salivation or dry mouth;
  • Vision problems or other eye disorders
  • Fever and increased sweating

There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Report side effects by calling the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warns

Versacloz can affect your immune system. It is possible that you will get more infections, including serious and fatal ones. If you are experiencing a sore throat or fever and feel weak, call your doctor.Versacloz may increase the risk of seizures, particularly at higher doses. If you experience a seizure or lose consciousness, avoid any dangerous activity.

Versacloz may cause heart problems. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience chest pains, difficulty breathing, rapid or pounding pulses, or dizziness.Versacloz has not been approved to be used in elderly adults who have dementia or psychosis.

Before you take this drug

Versacloz is not recommended for use in dementia-related psychosis.If you have an allergy to Versacloz, then it is best not to take the drug.

If you've ever:

  • Heart disease?
  • An attack of the heart, or stroke
  • Long QT Syndrome
  • An electrolyte balance (such as a low level of magnesium or potassium in the blood).
  • A seizure, head injury, or brain tumor;
  • Diabetes and risk factors like being overweight and having a history of diabetes in the family;
  • High cholesterol (or triglycerides);
  • Constipation is a problem with bowel movements.
  • Liver or kidney disease
  • Urination or prostate problems;
  • Glaucoma;
  • Malnourishment or dehydration;
  • If you smoke.

Antipsychotic medication taken in the final 3 months of pregnancy can cause respiratory problems, feeding difficulties, and withdrawal symptoms for the infant. You may experience withdrawal symptoms or have other issues if you discontinue your medication during pregnancy. If you become pregnant, notify your physician as soon as possible. Consult your doctor before stopping Versacloz.Versacloz should not be used while breastfeeding.

How to take Versacloz?

Read all the instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow the directions. Sometimes, your doctor will change the dose. You must take the medication exactly as prescribed.Versacloz may be taken with or without food.

Before measuring a dosage, shake the suspension for 10 seconds. Use the measuring device provided (not your kitchen spoon) to measure a dosage.Only remove an oral disintegrating tablet when you're ready to use it.Submerge the tablet into your mouth without chewing for optimal results. As the tablet dissolves, you should swallow it several times.

Versacloz can affect your immune system and have a long-lasting effect on your body. It is possible that you will get more infections, including serious and fatal ones. You might need to have frequent medical checks while taking this medication and even for a few days after you stop using it.Versacloz should not be stopped abruptly. You should follow your doctor's advice about reducing your dosage.You may have to start using a smaller dose if you are starting Versacloz after 2 days or longer. Do not forget to follow your doctor's instructions.

You may be advised by your doctor to use laxatives while you are taking Versacloz. Only use the laxatives that your doctor has prescribed.Keep the temperature steady at room temperature in order to prevent extremes of heat and moisture from building up.

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 a time.

Call your doctor if you have missed taking Versacloz for more than two consecutive daysrefill your prescription before it runs out.

What happens if I overdose?

Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.The symptoms of an overdose may include confusion, rapid heartbeats, breathing difficulties, drooling, or choking.

Avoid this

Don't drink alcohol. Side effects and death can occur.Do not consume caffeine-containing products such as coffee, tea, or energy drinks.

Versacloz can cause you to feel dizzy or drowsy. Avoid dangerous activities until you are sure of how they will affect you. Drowsiness or dizziness can lead to accidents or serious injuries.You may get dizzy if you stand up quickly from a seated or lying position.

Interaction with other drug

Your doctor might need to adjust your regular doses of other medications when you begin or stop using Versacloz.Versacloz may cause serious heart problems. You may have a higher risk if you are also taking certain medicines to treat infections, asthma, high blood pressure, depression, mental illnesses, cancer, HIV, or malaria.

Versacloz can have dangerous side effects or even cause death. Consult your doctor prior to taking an opioid, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, allergy or cold medicine, or medication for seizures or anxiety.Versacloz can be affected by many drugs. These include prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medicines. This list does not include all interactions. Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking and those that you will stop or start using.