Brand Names: Clozaril, FazaClo

Generic Name: clozapine (Pronunciation: KLOE za peen)

• What is clozapine (Clozaril)?
• What are the possible side effects of clozapine (Clozaril)?
• What is the most important information I should know about clozapine (Clozaril)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking clozapine (Clozaril)?
• How should I take clozapine (Clozaril)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Clozaril)?
• What happens if I overdose (Clozaril)?
• What should I avoid while taking clozapine (Clozaril)?
• What other drugs will affect clozapine (Clozaril)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is clozapine (Clozaril)?

Clozapine is an antipsychotic medication. It works by changing the actions of chemicals in the brain.

Clozapine is used to treat severe schizophrenia symptoms in people who have not responded to other medications. Clozapine is also used to help reduce the risk of suicidal behavior in people with schizophrenia or similar disorders.

Clozapine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Clozapine 100 mg-IVA

round, yellow, imprinted with 100, Logo 4360

Clozapine 100 mg-MYL

round, green, imprinted with C11, M

Clozapine 100 mg-TEV

round, yellow, imprinted with Logo 4360

Clozapine 200 mg-TEV

oval, yellow, imprinted with Logo 4405

Clozapine 25 mg-IVA

round, yellow, imprinted with Hourglass Logo 4359, 25

Clozapine 25 mg-MYL

round, peach, imprinted with C 7, M

Clozapine 25 mg-TEV

round, yellow, imprinted with Logo 4359

Clozaril 100 mg

round, yellow, imprinted with CLOZARIL, 100

Clozaril 25 mg

round, yellow, imprinted with CLOZARIL, 25

What are the possible side effects of clozapine (Clozaril)?

Stop using clozapine and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• feeling short of breath, even at night or with mild exertion;
• swelling in your hands or feet;
• fever, weakness, sore throat, stiff muscles, confusion, sweating, fast or uneven heartbeats;
• sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
• sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;
• chest pain, sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, fast heart rate, pain or swelling in one or both legs;
• white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;
• nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes); or
• seizure (black-out or convulsions).

Less serious side effects may include:

• constipation;
• drooling, especially at night;
• increased sweating;
• drowsiness, dizziness, spinning sensation;
• sleep problems or nightmares; or
• weight gain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about clozapine (Clozaril)?

Clozapine is not for use in psychotic conditions related to dementia. Clozapine may cause heart failure, sudden death, or pneumonia in older adults with dementia-related conditions.

You should not take clozapine if you have uncontrolled epilepsy, paralytic ileus or intestinal blockage, an infection caused by clozapine, or if you are also using drugs that weaken your immune system (such as cancer medicine or steroids).

While you are taking clozapine, your blood may need to be tested every week for the first 6 months of treatment. Do not miss any scheduled blood tests.

Do not stop taking clozapine or change your dose without first talking to your doctor.

Call your doctor if you have shortness of breath, swelling in your hands or feet, fever, sore throat, sudden numbness or weakness, sudden vision or speech problems, chest pain, cough, wheezing, pain or swelling in one or both legs, seizure, or jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes).

There are many other medicines that can interact with clozapine. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list with you of all the medicines you use and show this list to any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you.