What kind of drug is Clozaril?
Clozaril (clozapine) is an antipsychotic medication that is used to treat severe schizophrenia symptoms in people who have not responded to other medications. Clozaril is also used to help reduce the risk of suicidal behavior in people with schizophrenia or similar disorders.
What is the side effects of Clozaril?
Drooling, drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, shaking (tremor), vision problems (e.g., blurred vision), constipation, and weight gain may occur. Many of these effects (especially drowsiness) lessen as your body gets used to the medication.
Is Clozaril safe?
Clozaril can increase your risk of seizure, especially at high doses. Avoid any activity that could be dangerous if you have a seizure or lose consciousness. Clozaril can cause serious heart problems. Call your doctor right away if you have chest pain, trouble breathing, fast or pounding heartbeats or sudden dizziness.
What is the medication Clozaril used for?
Clozapine is an antipsychotic medicine that is used to treat schizophrenia after other treatments have failed. Clozapine is available only from a certified pharmacy under a special program. Clozapine is also used to reduce the risk of suicidal behavior in people with schizophrenia or similar disorders.
When do prescribers have to certify for clozapine Rems?
Prescribers are required to certify in the Clozapine REMS Program as soon as possible to continue patient therapy. If prescribers are not certified at the time of the 02/2019 Clozapine REMS Program Modification, a dispense of clozapine will not be authorized for patients under their care.
What is the neutrophil count of clozapine?
Clozapine is associated with severe neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count (ANC) less than 500/μL), which can lead to serious and fatal infections. The requirements to prescribe, dispense, and receive clozapine are incorporated into a single shared program called the Clozapine Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS).
Can you take clozapine in an inpatient setting?
If the patient is to be initiated on clozapine while admitted to an inpatient setting, a certified prescriber must enroll the patient in the Clozapine REMS Program prior to receiving the first dose of clozapine. Only pharmacies certified in the Clozapine REMS Program will be able to receive and dispense clozapine.
What should I do if I start taking Clozaril again?
If you start taking Clozaril again after 2 or more days off the medicine, you may need to use a lower dose than when you stopped. Follow your doctor’s dosing instructions very carefully. Your doctor may recommend you use a laxative while taking Clozaril. Use only the type of laxative your doctor recommends.
Which is the active ingredient in the drug Clozaril?
CLOZARIL (clozapine), an atypical antipsychotic drug, is a tricyclic dibenzodiazepine derivative, 8-chloro-11-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)-5 H -dibenzo [ b,e ] [1,4] diazepine. The structural formula is CLOZARIL is available in pale yellow tablets of 25 mg and 100 mg for oral administration. 25 mg and 100 mg Tablets Active Ingredient:
Can you take Clozaril if you are allergic to clozapine?
You should not take Clozaril if you are allergic to clozapine. To make sure Clozaril is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had: an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood); diabetes, or risk factors such as being overweight or having a family history of diabetes; if you smoke.
What kind of laxative should I take while taking Clozaril?
Your doctor may recommend you use a laxative while taking Clozaril. Use only the type of laxative your doctor recommends. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.