Clozapine Oral Tablet (CLOZAPINE - ORAL)

Instructions

This medicine may be taken with or without food.

This medicine will work best if you take it at about the same time every day.

Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.

To reduce constipation, eat high fiber foods, drink plenty of water and exercise.

Tell your doctor if you have severe or persistent sweating, diarrhea or vomiting. These can increase your risk of a serious side effect.

It may take several weeks for this medicine to fully work.

It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.

If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.

If you miss 2 or more doses in a row, contact your doctor for instructions.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.

This medicine may cause higher blood sugar levels or diabetes. Please follow your doctor's instructions and check your blood sugar level regularly while on this medicine.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Cautions

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Some patients with weak hearts may have worsening of symptoms. If you notice difficulty breathing, weight gain, or swelling of your legs or ankles, let your doctor know right away.

This medicine is associated with an increased risk for seizures. Please ask your doctor whether you may be at risk for having a seizure while on this medicine.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

This medicine may cause dizziness or fainting. Do not stand or sit up quickly.

If possible, avoid using with alcohol, marijuana, or other medicines that can cause dizziness or drowsiness. These include allergy/cold products, muscle relaxers, sleep aids, and pain relievers.

Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Smoking may affect the level of this medicine in your body. Tell your doctor if you smoke, or stop smoking while on this medicine.

Avoid becoming overheated during exercise or other activities. Try to stay cool in hot weather.

Family should check on the patient often. Call the doctor if patient becomes more depressed, has thoughts of suicide, or shows changes in behavior.

This medicine may reduce your body's ability to fight infections. Avoid contact with people with colds, flu or other infections. Contact your doctor if you develop fever, cough, sore throat, or chills.

Do not breastfeed while on this medicine. This medicine can pass through breast milk to the baby.

During pregnancy, this medicine should be used only when clearly needed. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

• blurry vision
• constipation
• dizziness or drowsiness
• drooling
• headaches
• shakiness
• weight gain

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

• breathing interruption during sleep
• wheezing or difficulty breathing
• chest pain
• changes in memory, mood, or thinking
• confusion
• swelling of the legs, feet, and hands
• fainting
• high fever
• fast, irregular, or slow heartbeat
• low blood pressure
• lightheadedness
• signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
• uncontrollable movement of face, tongue, arms or legs
• muscle aches, spasms or abnormal movements
• muscle pain
• muscle trembling or weakness
• seizures
• shortness of breath
• sweating
• severe or persistent vomiting

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.