Clozaril (Clozapine)

Clozaril is used for managing schizophrenia in patients who do not respond to other medicines. It is used to decrease the risk of suicidal behavior in certain patients. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Use Clozaril as directed by your doctor.

• Clozaril may be taken with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.
• Continue to take Clozaril even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
• Taking Clozaril at the same time each day will help you to remember to take it.
• Do not suddenly stop taking Clozaril without first checking with your doctor.

Clozaril is an atypical antipsychotic. It may work by affecting certain chemicals in the brain. This has an effect on thinking and behavior.

If you miss a dose of Clozaril and are taking it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Store Clozaril at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep in a tight, light-resistant container. Keep Clozaril out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Do not use Clozaril if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Clozaril;
• you have bone marrow problems, other blood cell problems, or a history of blood problems caused by Clozaril;
• you have uncontrolled seizures (eg, epilepsy) or loss of bowel muscle movement (paralytic ileus);
• you have severe drowsiness;
• you are taking other medicines that may cause blood problems. Ask your doctor if you are unsure if any of your medicines may cause blood problems.

• Clozaril may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or lightheadedness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Clozaril with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Clozaril may lower the ability of your body to fight infection. Avoid contact with people who have colds or infections. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any signs of infection like fever, sore throat, rash, chills, mouth or nose sores, or unusual tiredness or weakness.
• Women and patients of Jewish background may be at greater risk of developing blood problems with Clozaril.
• Clozaril may raise your blood sugar. High blood sugar may make you feel confused, drowsy, or thirsty. It can also make you flush, breathe faster, or have a fruit-like breath odor. If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor right away.
• A void food and drink high in caffeine, like coffee, tea, cocoa, cola, and chocolate.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Clozaril. It could have an effect on the medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery you may receive.
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a possibly fatal syndrome that can be caused by Clozaril. Symptoms may include fever, stiff muscles, confusion, abnormal thinking, fast or irregular heartbeat, and sweating. Contact your doctor at once if you have any of these symptoms.
• Lab tests, including complete blood cell counts and heart function tests, may be performed to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Use Clozaril with caution in the elderly; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially blood problems, dizziness (especially upon standing), fast heartbeat, urinary problems, and constipation
• Clozaril should be used with extreme caution in children; safety and effectiveness in children have not been determined
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Clozaril while you are pregnant. It is not known if Clozaril is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Clozaril.

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• constipation; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; headache; heartburn; increased sweating or saliva production; lightheadedness when you stand up; nausea; strange dreams; trouble sleeping; weight gain.

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); agitation; calf pain or tenderness; chest pain; confusion; dark urine; decreased coordination; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or sore throat; increased hunger, thirst, or urination; infection; involuntary movements of the tongue, face, mouth, or jaw (e.g., tongue sticking out, puffing of cheeks, mouth puckering, chewing movements); loss of appetite; numbness of an arm or leg; rapid breathing; restlessness; seizures; severe headache, dizziness, or vomiting; severe or persistent nausea or constipation; severe stomach pain; shortness of breath; stiff muscles; sudden, unusual weight gain; swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet; tremor; trouble swallowing; uncontrolled muscle movements; unusual mental or mood changes; unusual tiredness or weakness; vision changes; vomiting; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Clozaril is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.

If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.